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 light and easy it feels and how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too plain or too simple.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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 less oaky.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Rhône blend
California Rhône blend scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alentejo red
Alentejo red scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Corvina
Corvina scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
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.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.