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 and too peppery.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less peppery.
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.
Colorino
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cahors
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.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Colorino
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 less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Colorino
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 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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 more oaky.
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.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 more oaky.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pinot Meunier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Grolleau
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
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
Sagrantino scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Dornfelder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Montsant
Montsant scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Negroamaro
Negroamaro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cahors
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
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 less spicy.
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.
Cabernet Franc
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Colorino
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 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
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.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Trousseau across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington 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 less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Cabernet Franc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Colorino
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 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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Colorino
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
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.