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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 the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too light or thin and too sharp or acidic.

You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. 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.

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.
Substantially less light or thin.
A little less sharp or acidic.

Merlot

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Syrah

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Montepulciano

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Southern Rhône blend

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Agiorgitiko

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.

Alentejo red

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

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially 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.

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 earthier.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

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.

Schiava

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

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

Poulsard

Both come from the same country.

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

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 earthier.

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 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.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

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 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 in alcohol, and lighter.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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 spicier.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

Cahors

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 more tannic and structured.

California Rhône blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Similar but less tannic

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

Roussanne

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Malagousia

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

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

Pošip

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

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 more tannic and structured.

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.

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 more tannic and structured.

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.

Graciano

Graciano 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.

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 spicier.

Alentejo red

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.

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.

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 more tannic and structured.

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 broader and softer.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

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 sweeter.

Zinfandel

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and stronger and warmer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Corvina

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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

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

Négrette

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Tempranillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.

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 oaky.

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 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 tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franken Silvaner

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

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

Silvaner

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

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

Palomino Fino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chasselas

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Négrette

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Montepulciano

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

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

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 more tannic and structured.

Tempranillo

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 earthier.

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 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 earthier.

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 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.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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 more herbal and green.

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 fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Montepulciano

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

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

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 fresher and more acidic, and earthier.

Montepulciano

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

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

Agiorgitiko

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

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

Alentejo red

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

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

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.

Malbec

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.