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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.

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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.

I like…

The bright red fruit The rich dark fruit How light it is How smooth and soft it is How fresh and crisp it is

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too soft or too easy too alcoholic or warming too sharp or acidic too floral or soapy

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.
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 moving away from too floral or soapy, too sharp or acidic 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.

Merlot

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less light or thin.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less light or thin.

Montepulciano

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less light or thin.

Syrah

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less light or thin.

Southern Rhône blend

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less light or thin.

Agiorgitiko

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less light or thin.

Alentejo red

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

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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 floral or soapy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.

Merlot

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 less floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Syrah

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 more tannic and structured.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Merlot

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 less floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Syrah

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 more tannic and structured.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Schiava

Schiava scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Merlot

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 less floral.

Southern Rhône blend

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 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.

Merlot

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 less floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Southern Rhône blend

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 less floral.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Bobal

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Pošip

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Antão Vaz

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Marsanne

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.

Grenache Blanc

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.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Jumilla Monastrell

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Languedoc red

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 less floral.

Merlot

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 less floral.

Mourvèdre

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 less floral.

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera d’Asti

Barbera d’Asti scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

Rosso di Montalcino scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Baga

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

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.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Alicante Bouschet

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Vin Doux Naturel

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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.

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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

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

Corvinone

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Merlot

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 less floral.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.

Cabernet Franc

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

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

Pinot Noir

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

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

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Chasselas

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but more floral

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

Argentine Malbec

Argentine Malbec scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.

Australian Grenache

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hawke’s Bay Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Carmenère

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.

Chilean Carmenère

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

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.

Mourvèdre

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 less floral.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Carignan

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

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

Syrah

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 more tannic and structured.

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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 fuller and richer.

Primitivo di Manduria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

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

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

Gamay

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 fresher and more acidic, 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 fresher and more acidic.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

The same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.

Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.

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.

Merlot

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 less floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Syrah

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 more tannic and structured.

Southern Rhône blend

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 less floral.

Something more adventurous

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

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Mourvèdre

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 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.

Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Agiorgitiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Mourvèdre

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 less floral.

A step up

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

Grenache

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 stronger and warmer.

Merlot

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 less floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

Southern Rhône blend

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 less floral.

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.