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.
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.
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 smooth and easy it is to drink and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 more tannic and structured, 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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Schiava
Schiava scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother 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 lighter.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
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 fuller and richer.
Frappato
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Bierzo Mencía
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Grenache
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Portugieser
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
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 more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more tannic and structured.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Pinot Meunier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Cinsault
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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 fuller and richer.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe same grape and region, from the ten named granite hills.
Expect: More structure, darker fruit and real ageing capacity.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 fuller and richer.
Primitivo
Primitivo scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Beaujolais across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
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 in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe 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 more tannic and structured.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe 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 more tannic and structured.
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.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe 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.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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.
Valpolicella
curatedAnother light, high-acid, cherry-scented red made for the table.
Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Cru Beaujolais
curatedThe 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 more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter in alcohol.
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.