If you like this, try…
Wines like Red Burgundy
Pinot Noir at its most perfumed and site-specific: pale, silky, high in acid, and the reference point for the variety worldwide. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Red Burgundy?
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 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 spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- 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.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from 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.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- 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.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Poulsard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
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, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Hunter Valley Semillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less tannic and softer.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Bairrada Baga
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Bekaa Valley Red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chilean Carmenère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Champagne
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Cava
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more savoury.
Dão
Dão scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Areni
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Oregon Pinot Noir
curatedThe New World region that most consistently reproduces Burgundy’s balance of red fruit, acidity and savoury character.
Expect: Slightly riper and more consistent, at lower prices.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Chianti Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
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.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Sangiovese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more herbal and green.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
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.