If you like this, try…
Wines like Trousseau
The more structured of the Jura’s two red varieties, also grown in Portugal as Bastardo. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Trousseau?
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.
- 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.
- 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 oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
Looking for something keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too light or thin, too peppery and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- 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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Montsant
Montsant scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Jaen
Jaen scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.