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 the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too earthy or musty, too soft or too easy and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as earthy or musty as the wine you started from.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Schiava
Both are made from schiava.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Mondeuse Noire
Mondeuse Noire scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Négrette
Négrette scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and stiller.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Corvina
Corvina scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Super Tuscan
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and earthier.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and earthier.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and earthier.
Malbec
Malbec scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Refosco
Refosco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be earthier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Jaen
Jaen scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic 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.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 in alcohol, and less tannic and softer.
Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Graciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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.