If you like this, try…
Wines like Light-bodied dry red
Pale, low-tannin reds with bright acidity and red-fruit character — the reds that suit a light chill and don’t overwhelm food. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Light-bodied dry red?
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.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
Looking for something moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too floral or soapy, too light or thin and too earthy or musty.
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.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Schiava
Both are made from schiava.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Light-bodied dry red 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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella Ripasso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Agiorgitiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Franciacorta
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cornalin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Rioja Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
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 fruitier, and broader and softer.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Australian Grenache
Australian Grenache scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Hawke’s Bay Syrah scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and earthier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Bonarda
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvinone
Corvinone scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Trincadeira
Trincadeira scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Languedoc red
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Valpolicella Ripasso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and earthier.
Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Rioja Crianza
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.