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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, too soft or too easy and too sharp or acidic.

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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Fer Servadou

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less soft or too easy.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less soft or too easy.
A little less sharp or acidic.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
More soft or too easy, not less.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less soft or too easy.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Valpolicella

curated

Another light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.

Keeps how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
More sharp or acidic, not less.

Trousseau

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less soft or too easy.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

Schiava

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.

English still Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Grolleau

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

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

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 fresher and more acidic, and less tannic and softer.

Dolcetto

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Grolleau

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but less tannic

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

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.

Portugieser

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

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

Dolcetto

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Tibouren

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Dolcetto

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Similar but fresher

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

Valpolicella

curated

Another light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Mondeuse Noire

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chianti

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Molinara

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Dolcetto

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Syrah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Mourvèdre

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Sparkling Shiraz

Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Similar but sweeter

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Rondo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Syrah

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Mourvèdre

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Cabernet Franc

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Pinot Noir

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

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Gamay

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Dão

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

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

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Mourvèdre

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Poulsard

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Primitivo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

The 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 both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

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.

Syrah

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Red Bordeaux

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Something more adventurous

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

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.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

País

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

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

A step up

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

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Syrah

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Red Bordeaux

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.