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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 and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too light or thin.

You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the bright red-fruited character 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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially 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.

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Graciano

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
A little less light or thin.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Oregon Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Barbera

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

Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.

Chianti Classico

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

Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

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 broader and softer, and earthier.

Graciano

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

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.

Graciano

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

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.

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 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 broader and softer, 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.

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 in alcohol, and lighter.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Graciano

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

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

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 broader and softer, and earthier.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Similar but less tannic

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

Austrian Riesling

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

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

Petit Manseng

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Savennières

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

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

Assyrtiko

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

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

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.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Graciano

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

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 broader and softer, and less floral.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Montepulciano

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

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

Southern Rhône blend

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more herbal and green.

The sparkling version

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

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Corvina

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

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

Valpolicella Ripasso

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Saperavi

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

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

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.

Refosco

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

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

Bobal

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

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

Cornalin

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Barbera

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

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.

Similar but more restrained

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

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 more aromatic, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Graciano

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

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

Uco Valley 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

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

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

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 less floral, and more oaky.

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 broader and softer, and less floral.

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

Barbera

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Baga

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

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

Bairrada Baga

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

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

Oregon Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Zinfandel

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

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Primitivo

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

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

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

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.

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 broader and softer, 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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Barbera

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

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 broader and softer, and earthier.

Graciano

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

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.

Barbera d’Asti

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

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

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 broader and softer, and earthier.

Graciano

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

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

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

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.

Oregon Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and earthier.

Barbera

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

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

Chianti Classico

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

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