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Wines like Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Cool Atlantic-influenced Pinot Noir from the valleys behind Hermanus — South Africa’s finest. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir?
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.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- 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.
- 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 moving away from too tart or sour-fruited, too light or thin, too soft or too easy and too oaky or woody.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Carignan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less soft or too easy.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less soft or too easy.
- More oaky or woody, not less.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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.
País
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Colorino
Colorino scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Fer Servadou
Fer Servadou scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
Tinta Negra scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alicante Bouschet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less tannic and softer.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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 Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Bobal
Bobal scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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, and more oaky.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Cahors
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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 lighter, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Toro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petite Sirah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Touriga Nacional
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
McLaren Vale Shiraz scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
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.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Tannat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Madiran
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Priorat
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Barbaresco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.