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 moving away from too soft or too easy 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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- 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.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and earthier.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
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.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Fer Servadou
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Corvinone
Corvinone scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fuller and richer.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fuller and richer.
Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Argentine Cabernet Franc scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Hawke’s Bay Syrah scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and earthier.
Red Bordeaux
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 earthier.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and earthier.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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
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 fuller and richer.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Fer Servadou
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Mondeuse Noire
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fuller and richer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Red Bordeaux
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 earthier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and earthier.
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.