If you like this, try…
Wines like Beaujolais
Light, juicy Gamay, often made by carbonic maceration — the archetypal chillable red. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about 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.
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- 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.
- 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.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
Looking for something keeping the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too tart or sour-fruited. Both are about perceived freshness, 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Zweigelt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- 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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
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 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
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Négrette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Jaen
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to 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 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.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
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 in alcohol, and fresher.
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 come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
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 in alcohol, and fruitier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Sangiovese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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.
Tinto Cão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Dão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
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.