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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.

← 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 fresh, crisp acidity, 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 fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Cahors

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
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 fresh, crisp acidity.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
A little less soft or too easy.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less soft or too easy.

Carignan

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
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 fresher and more acidic.

Cahors

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cahors

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the structure

Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.

Similar but lighter

Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.

Poulsard

Both come from the same country.

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

English still Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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.

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Cahors

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Carignan

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

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fresher and more acidic.

Cahors

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 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 fresher and more acidic.

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

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 fresher and more acidic.

Cahors

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 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 fresher and more acidic.

Nerello Mascalese

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Jumilla Monastrell

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

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

Shiraz

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

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

McLaren Vale Shiraz

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

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

The sparkling version

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

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.

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.

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.

Sagrantino

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

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

Port

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

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

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Bobal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cornalin

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lagrein

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more tannic and structured.

Barolo

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

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

Barbaresco

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

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

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.

Carignan

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Uco Valley Malbec

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 fresher and more acidic.

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less floral

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

Carignan

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

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rosso di Montalcino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Cahors

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

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

Etna Rosso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nerello Mascalese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Sirah

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

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

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.

Primitivo di Manduria

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

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

Primitivo

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

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Morgon

Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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.

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.

Morgon

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 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.

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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 fresher and more acidic.

Cahors

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fresher and more acidic.

Cahors

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

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

Graciano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Red Bordeaux

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

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

Chianti Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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.