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 keeping the floral, perfumed side and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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.
Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cinsault
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
curatedThe classic upgrade path, from Pinot’s offspring to Pinot itself.
Expect: More earthy complexity and perfume, at several times the price.
Loire Cabernet Franc
curatedComparable weight, freshness and food-friendliness.
Expect: Leafier and more graphite-edged.
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 in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
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
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Meunier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 broader and softer, and less floral.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 more acidic, and lighter.
Chianti Classico
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 broader and softer, and less floral.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 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 broader and softer, and less floral.
Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Bobal
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.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 broader and softer, and less floral.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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 lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Uco Valley Malbec
Uco Valley Malbec scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Frappato
Frappato scores closest to Cru Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Washington Syrah
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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 broader and softer, 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.
Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Washington Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Northern Rhône Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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.