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

Valpolicella

curated

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

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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

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

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the rich, ripe dark fruit.
Keeps how light and easy it feels.
About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the structure

Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.

Similar but lighter

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

Schiava

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

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

English still Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Poulsard

Both come from the same country.

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

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Mondeuse Noire

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

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

Fer Servadou

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

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

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Cinsault

Both come from the same country.

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

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Dolcetto

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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.

Langhe Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Négrette

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 less tannic and softer.

Canaiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Portugieser

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sparkling Shiraz

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Tinto Cão

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Dornfelder

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätburgunder (German 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 more savoury.

Egri Bikavér

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinotage

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

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

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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Cabernet Franc

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 fuller and richer.

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.

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.

Similar but more restrained

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

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Frappato

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

Négrette

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 less tannic and softer.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

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 less floral

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

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Cru Beaujolais

curated

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

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

País

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

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and more savoury.

Loire Cabernet Franc

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

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

Blaufränkisch

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

California Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

Zinfandel

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

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

Primitivo di Manduria

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

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

Petite Sirah

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.

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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

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.

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 less tannic and softer, and fuller and richer.

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.

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.

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 less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Cabernet Franc

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 fuller and richer.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Mondeuse Noire

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 fuller and richer.

Fer Servadou

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 fuller and richer.

Valpolicella

curated

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

Expect: More sour cherry and almond, less banana.

Dolcetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Cabernet Franc

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 fuller and richer.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.