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 keeping how smooth and easy it is to drink, while moving away from too tart or sour-fruited 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.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little 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.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
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.
País
Both are made from país.
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.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Cava
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Trincadeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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 tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
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 tannic and structured.
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 less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Australian Grenache
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Trincadeira
Trincadeira scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Bonarda
Bonarda scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 tannic and structured.
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.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Languedoc red
Both are made from cinsault.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 tannic and structured.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 tannic and structured.
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.