If you like this, try…
Wines like Poulsard
A very pale Jura red, so light in colour it is often mistaken for rosé. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Poulsard?
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 bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- 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 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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.
Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too plain or too simple, too alcoholic or warming, too light or thin 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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
White Burgundy
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 fuller and richer.
Sémillon
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 fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Alentejo red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Merlot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
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 fruitier.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Crianza
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Tempranillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.