If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 oaky or woody.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and 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 oaky or woody.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Carignan
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 oaky or woody.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montsant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
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 fruitier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dolcetto
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 fruitier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Tannat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
País
País scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Portugieser
Both are made from portugieser.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Fer Servadou
Fer Servadou scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Montsant
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.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Portugieser
Both are made from portugieser.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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 more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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 more oaky.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico
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 fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Languedoc red
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.
Dolcetto
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 fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Touriga Franca
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Dolcetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rioja Reserva
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
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 fruitier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
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 fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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 fresher, 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 fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Blaufränkisch
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
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 fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Chilean 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 less tannic and softer.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
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 fruitier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Dolcetto
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 fruitier.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
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.