If you like this, try…

Wines like Beaujolais

Light, juicy Gamay, often made by carbonic maceration — the archetypal chillable red. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Beaujolais

Refine

What do you like about Beaujolais?

Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.

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 rich, ripe dark fruit and how light and easy it feels, while moving away from 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.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
A little less light or thin.

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 rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less light or thin.

Bonarda

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less light or thin.

Graciano

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less light or thin.

Australian Grenache

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less light or thin.

Corvinone

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less light or thin.

Touriga Franca

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Substantially less light or thin.

Trincadeira

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
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.

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 more savoury, and earthier.

Bonarda

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Bonarda

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Corvinone

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

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

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.

English still Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Poulsard

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

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 lower in alcohol

Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.

English still Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

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.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

Alentejo red

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

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

Argentine Cabernet Franc

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.

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 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.

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.

Antão Vaz

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 structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

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 more savoury, and earthier.

Similar but fresher

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

Graciano

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Barbera

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Similar but softer

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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.

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 fruitier, and sweeter.

Lambrusco

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

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

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 sweeter, and broader and softer.

Touriga Franca

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

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

Corvinone

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

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more sparkling.

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.

Graciano

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

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

Corvinone

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

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

Trincadeira

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

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

Tinta Barroca

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

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

Pinotage

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

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

Touriga Franca

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Gamay

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

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

Malbec

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.

Pinot Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Bonarda

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

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

Corvinone

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

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.

Uco Valley Malbec

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

Similar but less floral

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Bonarda

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

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

Corvinone

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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

Similar but more savoury

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

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 more savoury, and less floral.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more herbal and green.

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Zinfandel

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Primitivo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.

Morgon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, 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 lighter in alcohol.

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 more savoury, and broader and softer.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

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 more savoury, and earthier.

Bonarda

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

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 more savoury, and earthier.

Bonarda

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Australian Grenache

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

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

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.

Merlot

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

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

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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 more savoury, 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.