If you like this, try…

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.

← Back to Pinot Noir

Refine

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, while moving away from too peppery, too perfumed and too earthy or musty.

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.

Spätburgunder (German 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.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Hemel-en-Aarde 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.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Carignan

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Dão

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Chianti

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Chianti Classico

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Baga

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less earthy or musty.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

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 less spicy, and fruitier.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Different grape, similar feel

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

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.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Poulsard

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

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

País

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

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

Schiava

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

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

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

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

Schiava

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

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Negroamaro

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tibouren

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

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

Barbera d’Alba

Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Barbera d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Madiran

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Similar but fresher

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

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Similar but softer

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

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montepulciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Cava

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Saperavi

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

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.

País

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

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

Poulsard

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

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

Carignan

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

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

Tinta Negra

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.

Ribera del Duero

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.

Barolo

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

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

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more restrained

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

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti

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

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

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Frappato

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Bairrada Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier, and less spicy.

Cru Beaujolais

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less spicy.

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 fruitier, 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 fruitier, and less spicy.

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.

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 less spicy, and fruitier.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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 less spicy, and earthier.

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 less spicy, and earthier.

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 spicier, and earthier.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

New Zealand Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

California Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.

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 less spicy, and fruitier.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

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.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Cru Beaujolais

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

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

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Something more adventurous

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

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.

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 less spicy, and fruitier.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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.

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 less spicy, and fruitier.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.

Carignan

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

Dão

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.

A step up

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

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.

Red Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less floral.

Sangiovese

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more herbal and green.

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.