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.
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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.
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 peppery.
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.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Chianti
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
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 spicy, and fuller and richer.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Portugieser
Both are made from portugieser, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Cinsault
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Barbera d’Alba
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fruitier.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Portugieser
Both are made from portugieser, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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 less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Chianti
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
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 spicy, 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 less spicy, and stiller.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Touriga Franca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Castelão
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy.
Ciliegiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less tannic and softer.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
Chianti
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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 less spicy, and earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
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.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Chianti
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Blaufränkisch
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and earthier.
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 less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fresher.
Chianti
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
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.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and earthier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 less spicy, and more herbal and green.
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.