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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 keeping how light and easy it feels, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too light or thin.

You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. Both are about alcohol, 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.

Morgon

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Bonarda

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Merlot

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Carignan

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Barbera d’Alba

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Bobal

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.

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 less floral, and earthier.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Bonarda

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

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

Merlot

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 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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Bonarda

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

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

Merlot

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 broader and softer.

Carignan

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 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 lighter in 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 less floral, and earthier.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Merlot

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 broader and softer.

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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

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 less floral, and broader and softer.

Aglianico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Alentejo red

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

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

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

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

Savennières

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 more savoury.

Godello

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.

White Burgundy

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 more savoury.

Vidiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Bobal

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.

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 less floral, and earthier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but fresher

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Baga

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but softer

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

Merlot

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 broader and softer.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and spicier.

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 less floral, and sweeter.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Champagne

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 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 less floral, and sweeter.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.

Corvinone

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

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

Corvina

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

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Corvinone

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

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

Refosco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Cornalin

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

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 less floral, and broader and softer.

Pinotage

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Rioja

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Rioja Reserva

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

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 more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

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 less floral.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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.

Barbaresco

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

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 less floral, and earthier.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Merlot

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 broader and softer.

Carignan

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 more tannic and structured.

Similar but more savoury

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

Carignan

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 more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Chianti Classico

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

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 less floral, and softer and rounder.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

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 less floral, and earthier.

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.

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 less floral, and broader and softer.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 more tannic and structured.

Rioja Crianza

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 less floral, and earthier.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Bonarda

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

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

Carignan

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 more tannic and structured.

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.

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 less floral, and earthier.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.

Bonarda

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

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

Carignan

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 more tannic and structured.

A step up

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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 more tannic and structured.

Merlot

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 broader and softer.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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 more tannic and structured.

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.