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, too oaky or woody and too soft or too easy.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Dolcetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less soft or too easy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Dão
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 less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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 less spicy.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
País
País scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cru Beaujolais
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 less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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.
Rosso di Montalcino
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 less spicy.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Portugieser
Both are made from portugieser.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
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 less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Rosso di Montalcino
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 less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
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 less spicy.
Etna Rosso
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 less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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 less spicy.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less tannic and softer.
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 less spicy.
Tinto Cão
Tinto Cão scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
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.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Rosso di Montalcino
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 less spicy.
Dão
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 less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less tannic and softer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bolgheri
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
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 less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Dão
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 less spicy.
Etna Rosso
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 less spicy.
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 tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
Dão
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 less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Washington 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.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 tannic and softer, 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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 less spicy.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Blaufränkisch
Both are made from blaufränkisch, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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 less tannic and softer, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Margaret River 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.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less spicy.
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 tannic and softer, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.