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 the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too alcoholic or warming.
- 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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
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.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
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.
Red Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
Blaufränkisch scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Red Bordeaux
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Jumilla Monastrell
Jumilla Monastrell scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Mourvèdre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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.
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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Corvina
Corvina scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
St Laurent
St Laurent scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Mencía
Mencía scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Zweigelt
Zweigelt scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
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
Barbera scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Red Bordeaux
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Noir
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Red Bordeaux
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese scores closest to Poulsard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.