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 keeping how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too soft or too easy.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- A little less soft or too easy.
País
País scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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 fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Rondinella
Rondinella scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Blaufränkisch
Blaufränkisch scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Schiava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Fer Servadou
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chianti
Chianti scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.