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 how smooth and easy it is to drink and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too light or thin.
- 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.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less light or thin.
Chilean Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Bierzo Mencía
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Southern Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
English sparkling rosé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Portugieser
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Egri Bikavér
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Frühburgunder
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Gamay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Red Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
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.