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 peppery 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- 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.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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 less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
País scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Gamay
Gamay 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.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Barbera
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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.
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
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 spicier, and fruitier.
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.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less spicy.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier 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 less spicy, 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 spicier, and less oaky.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and less oaky.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
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 aromatic.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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 less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and broader and softer.
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.
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.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter, and less spicy.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Blaufränkisch
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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 spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Toro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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 spicier, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
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.