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 the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too tart or sour-fruited.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. 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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
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 fresher, and less oaky.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mourvèdre
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
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.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
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.
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.
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.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fresher.
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.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino 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.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier 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 fresher, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
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.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
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 fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Mourvèdre
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 fresher.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Mourvèdre
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.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran 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.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
Mourvèdre
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.