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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 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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Grolleau
Grolleau scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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 fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 oaky, and fruitier.
Muscat Bailey A
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Grolleau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Carignan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Etna Rosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Nerello Mascalese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Rosso di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
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 fruitier, and spicier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
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 fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Tinta Barroca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Corvinone
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
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.
Colorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Rondinella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Canaiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja Reserva scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Morgon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
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 oaky, and lighter.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Cahors
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti Classico Riserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Toro
Toro scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
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 fresher, and fruitier.
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 spicier, and fresher.
Spätburgunder (German 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 oaky, and fresher.
California Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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 fresher.
Oregon 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 lighter.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more oaky.
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 fruitier, and spicier.
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 spicier.
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 lighter.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Cabernet Franc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
Southern Rhône blend
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
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.
Negroamaro
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more tannic and structured.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Montsant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
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 spicier, and more oaky.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher.
Brunello di Montalcino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
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.