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Wines like Egri Bikavér

Hungary’s "Bull’s Blood": a blended red from Eger, now governed by rules requiring a minimum number of varieties. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Egri Bikavér?

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…

But it’s a bit…

too tart or sour-fruited too light or thin too soft or too easy too oaky or woody too peppery too austere

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.
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.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too soft or too easy and too light or thin.

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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Sagrantino

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Tannat

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Substantially less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Priorat

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Petit Verdot

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Petite Sirah

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

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

A little less tart or sour-fruited.
A little less soft or too easy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Priorat

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

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

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.

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.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

Petit Verdot

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

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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.

Mondeuse Noire

Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Cabernet Franc

Both are made from cabernet franc.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Fer Servadou

Fer Servadou scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Priorat

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

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

Petit Verdot

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

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

Petite Sirah

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Priorat

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Sagrantino

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fresher

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

Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Bairrada Baga

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.

Similar but softer

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alicante Bouschet

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.

Sagrantino

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

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fruitier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Touriga Nacional

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vintage Port

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Broad-leaved Melnik

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Nero di Troia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Cahors

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Cornalin

Cornalin scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

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

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Barolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Petit Verdot

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Taurasi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Sirah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Primitivo di Manduria

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

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Toro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Blaufränkisch

Both are made from blaufränkisch, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Chianti

Both are made from merlot, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Bolgheri

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Priorat

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

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

Super Tuscan

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Montefalco Sagrantino

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

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

Sagrantino

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

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

Madiran

Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

Tannat

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Priorat

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

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

Ribera del Duero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Red Bordeaux

Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.

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.