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 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.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- 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.
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 more herbal and green.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Grolleau
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 sweeter.
Cinsault
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 floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 more herbal and green.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Grolleau
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 sweeter.
Cinsault
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 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.
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.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Grolleau
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 fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Cinsault
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 fuller and richer.
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.
Schiava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Grolleau
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 sweeter.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and more floral.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Cinsault
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 floral.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.
Aligoté
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 oaky.
Roditis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Altesse
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 fuller and richer.
Catarratto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Fer Servadou
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 tannic and structured.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Molinara
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Mondeuse Noire
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 fuller and richer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Négrette
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 fuller and richer.
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 Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and stiller.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Grolleau
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 fuller and richer.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
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 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.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less tannic and softer.
Jacquère
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 tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
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 fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more neutral and subtle.
Cinsault
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 neutral and subtle.
Beaujolais
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 neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carignan
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.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Cinsault
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 floral.
Beaujolais
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 floral.
Pinot Meunier
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 fuller and richer.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more 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.
Beaujolais
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 floral.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 more herbal and green.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Grolleau
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 sweeter.
Cinsault
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 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.
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 more herbal and green.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more floral.
Grolleau
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 sweeter.
Cinsault
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 floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.