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 moving away from too peppery and too alcoholic or warming.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Oregon Pinot Noir
curatedThe New World region that most consistently reproduces Burgundy’s balance of red fruit, acidity and savoury character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Etna Rosso
curatedPale, high-acid and transparent to site, from volcanic Sicily.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
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.
Etna Rosso
curatedPale, high-acid and transparent to site, from volcanic Sicily.
Expect: Ashier and more smoky, with firmer tannin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
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.
Beaujolais
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
País
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Poulsard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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.
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 in alcohol, and less spicy.
Etna Rosso
curatedPale, high-acid and transparent to site, from volcanic Sicily.
Expect: Ashier and more smoky, with firmer tannin.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and broader and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
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 spicy, and sweeter.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more tannic and structured.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Negroamaro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinto Cão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Jaen
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Red Burgundy across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Uco Valley Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Négrette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Langhe Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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.
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.
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.
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 in alcohol, and less spicy.
Hemel-en-Aarde 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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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 lighter in alcohol, 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.
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.
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 in alcohol, and less spicy.
Hemel-en-Aarde 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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in 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 lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Hemel-en-Aarde 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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
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.
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.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Etna Rosso
curatedPale, high-acid and transparent to site, from volcanic Sicily.
Expect: Ashier and more smoky, with firmer tannin.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and sweeter.
Sagrantino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and fuller and richer.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.