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.

← Back to Red Burgundy

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.

I like…

The bright red fruit How fresh and crisp it is The earthy, mineral side The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or acidic too alcoholic or warming too floral or soapy too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

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 and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Chilean 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.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

Next door, from Pinot’s offspring, and the classic affordable substitute.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Morgon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

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.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Expect: Slightly darker-fruited and less earthy.

Chilean 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 spicy, and less floral.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

Next door, from Pinot’s offspring, and the classic affordable substitute.

Expect: More overtly juicy and granitic, less earthy complexity.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Morgon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Schiava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Grolleau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less spicy.

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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

Next door, from Pinot’s offspring, and the classic affordable substitute.

Expect: More overtly juicy and granitic, less earthy complexity.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Expect: Slightly darker-fruited and less earthy.

Grolleau

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 restrained in fruit.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Uco Valley Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

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 broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.

Muscat Bailey A

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Cinsault

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.

Barbera d’Alba

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Uco Valley Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

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 broader and softer, and fruitier.

Uco Valley Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and sweeter.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more herbal and green.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fresher.

Franciacorta

Both are made from pinot noir, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more sparkling.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Corvina

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Touriga Nacional

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.

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.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Castelão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less oaky.

Super Tuscan

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.

Bolgheri

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.

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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.

Barbaresco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinot Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Uco Valley Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

Next door, from Pinot’s offspring, and the classic affordable substitute.

Expect: More overtly juicy and granitic, less earthy complexity.

Argentine Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Touriga Nacional

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

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 more savoury, and less floral.

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 broader and softer, and fruitier.

Castelão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Chilean 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 less spicy.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Taurasi

Taurasi scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.

Chilean 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 spicy, and less floral.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

Morgon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.

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.

Chilean 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 spicy, and less floral.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Expect: Slightly darker-fruited and less earthy.

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 more savoury, 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 more savoury, and less spicy.

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 fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Chilean 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 spicy, and fuller and richer.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Expect: Slightly darker-fruited and less earthy.

Oregon Pinot Noir

curated

The 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.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

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 more savoury, and fruitier.

Chilean 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 lighter, and less spicy.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Expect: Slightly darker-fruited and less earthy.

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.

Cru Beaujolais

curated

Next door, from Pinot’s offspring, and the classic affordable substitute.

Expect: More overtly juicy and granitic, less earthy complexity.

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 broader and softer, and fruitier.

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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more herbal and green.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Expect: Slightly darker-fruited and less earthy.

Chilean 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 spicy, and less floral.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

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.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

curated

The same grape from Baden and the Ahr, much improved and still underpriced.

Expect: Slightly darker-fruited and less earthy.

Chilean 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 spicy, and less floral.

Bierzo Mencía

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less spicy.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Northern Rhône Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.

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 more savoury, 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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and broader and softer.

How these are chosen

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.