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.
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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 soft or too easy and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
País
País scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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 tannic and softer, and lighter.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Aglianico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Baga
Baga scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Syrah
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Languedoc red
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mourvèdre
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mavrud
Mavrud scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more 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.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.