If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 floral or soapy, too tart or sour-fruited, 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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 less floral.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
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 more tannic and structured.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Tibouren
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
País
País scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
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.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 less floral.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Uruguayan Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Barbera
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Madiran
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 more savoury.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Grenache
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.
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 Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 less floral.
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 stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Vin Doux Naturel
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Port
Port scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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 less floral, 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.
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 more aromatic.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
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 more tannic and structured.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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 less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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 less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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 less floral.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
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 less floral.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 less floral.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
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 more tannic and structured.
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 less floral.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Northern Rhône Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.