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.
Refine
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 keeping the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too light or thin, too earthy or musty and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Nerello Cappuccio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Prokupac
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
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.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter in alcohol.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Zinfandel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter in alcohol.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Ruby Port
Ruby Port scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter in alcohol.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter in alcohol.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Ciliegiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Nerello Cappuccio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Zweigelt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.