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 light and easy it feels, while moving away from too light or thin.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. Both are about alcohol, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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 noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Uco Valley Malbec
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less light or thin.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less light or thin.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Substantially 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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Uco Valley Malbec
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.
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 more savoury.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
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.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Uco Valley Malbec
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.
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 more savoury.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
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.
Cru Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Loire 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.
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.
Barbera d’Asti
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 fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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 more herbal and green.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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.
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 more tannic and structured, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more savoury.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
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 more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Languedoc red
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Champagne
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Touriga Franca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and broader and softer.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sparkling Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.
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.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bobal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Refosco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and broader and softer.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more aromatic.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Uco Valley Malbec
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.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
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 more savoury.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Graciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Australian Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more herbal and green.
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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Uco Valley Malbec
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.
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 more savoury.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
Oregon 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 savoury.
Sonoma Coast 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 savoury.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less floral.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Languedoc red
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more herbal and green.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Uco Valley Malbec
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.
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 more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more savoury.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Uco Valley Malbec
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.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
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 more savoury.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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.
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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Uco Valley Malbec
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.
Stellenbosch Cabernet and Cape Bordeaux blends
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 more savoury.
Argentine Cabernet Franc
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.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 more herbal and green.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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.