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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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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 bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too soft or too easy.

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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
A little less soft or too easy.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Oregon Pinot Noir

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

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Oregon 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 less tannic and softer.

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 in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.

Poulsard

Both come from the same country.

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

Schiava

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

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

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

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 less tannic 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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Mondeuse Noire

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Oregon 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.

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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Etna Rosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Etna Rosso

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Oregon 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 less tannic and softer.

Similar but softer

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

Jumilla Monastrell

Jumilla Monastrell scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Négrette

Both come from the same country.

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

Syrah

Both come from the same country.

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

Grenache

Both come from the same country.

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

The sparkling version

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 broader and softer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Graciano

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Refosco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mondeuse Noire

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Oregon 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 less tannic and softer.

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Naoussa Xinomavro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

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

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

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

Malbec

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Areni

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 less tannic and softer.

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Areni

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 less tannic and softer.

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.

Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah 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 broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Primitivo

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

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.

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 both come from the same country.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

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 both come from the same country.

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 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

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 less tannic 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.

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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 less tannic and softer.

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chianti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.