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 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.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially 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.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- 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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Poulsard
Poulsard 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.
Schiava
Schiava 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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Asti
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Alba
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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 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 spicy.
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.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, 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.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca 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.
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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Colorino
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 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Bolgheri
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Rioja
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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 less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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 less tannic and softer, and less spicy.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Xinomavro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Egri Bikavér across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less spicy.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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.
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 less spicy.
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 less spicy.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from merlot.
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 less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less spicy, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 less spicy.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.