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Wines like Cru Beaujolais

Gamay from the ten named granite hills — structured, mineral and ageworthy, and nothing like Beaujolais Nouveau. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Cru Beaujolais?

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.

I like…

The bright red fruit How fresh and crisp it is The floral character

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too alcoholic or warming too light or thin too sharp or acidic too floral or soapy too earthy or musty

Clear all

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 fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
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.
The floral character: Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
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 moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too sharp or acidic, too alcoholic or warming and too light or thin.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

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.

Portugieser

Portugieser scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

País

País scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Grolleau

Both come from the same country.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Barbera d’Alba

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Tinta Negra

Tinta Negra scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Barbera d’Asti

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Portugieser

Portugieser scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Tannat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fresher and more acidic.

Madiran

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fresher and more acidic.

Petit Verdot

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fresher and more acidic.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Chianti Classico

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Baga

Baga scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Bairrada Baga

Bairrada Baga scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Barbera d’Asti

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Vin Doux Naturel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fresher and more acidic.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Tinta Barroca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Uco Valley Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

Négrette

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Cahors

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Rioja Gran Reserva

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Primitivo

Primitivo scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Morgon

Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Gamay

Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Beaujolais

Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Morgon

Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Gamay

Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Argentine Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

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.

Alicante Bouschet

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Mourvèdre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

McLaren Vale Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.

Tempranillo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and broader and softer.

How these are chosen

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.