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 moving away from too plain or too simple, too tart or sour-fruited 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.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
Merlot
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.
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.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Merlot
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.
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.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 oaky, and lighter.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 less oaky, and fresher.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher.
Macabeo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Fetească Neagră
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Merlot
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.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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
Lambrusco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Merlot
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.
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.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
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.
Syrah
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.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Merlot
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.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Petit Verdot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and earthier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Mourvèdre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and fruitier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Merlot
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Merlot
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.
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.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Nero d’Avola
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Alentejo red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Nemea Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.