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 soft or too easy, 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.
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.
- 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.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- 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.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- 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 soft or too easy.
- 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 soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Cahors
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.
- 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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
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 less spicy.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe Nebbiolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and stiller.
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 less spicy.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Morgon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Carignan
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.
Cahors
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.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.