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 soft or too easy, too earthy or musty and too floral or soapy.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- About as soft or too easy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Egri Bikavér
Both are made from cabernet franc.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the bright red-fruited character.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
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 less tannic and softer, and lighter.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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.
English still rosé
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
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.
Molinara
Molinara 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.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Molinara
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 softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto 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.
Portugieser
Portugieser 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.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet 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.
Canaiolo
Canaiolo 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.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
English sparkling rosé
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Rondo
Rondo 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.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
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.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Graciano
Graciano scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fuller and richer.
Frappato
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe Nebbiolo scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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 less floral.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Baga
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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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 fruitier.
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.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Red Bordeaux
Both are made from cabernet franc.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
English still rosé
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Schiava
Both are made from schiava.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
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.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader 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.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Fer Servadou
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader 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.
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.
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.