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 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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- 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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fruitier.
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.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 broader and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less spicy.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
Petit Verdot
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more tannic and structured.
Touriga Nacional
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more tannic and structured.
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 more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 more oaky.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fruitier.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 more oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
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.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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 fruitier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
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 more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and earthier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and earthier.
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.