If you like this, try…
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 keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too light or thin and too tart or sour-fruited.
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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less tart or sour-fruited.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Tibouren
Tibouren scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Portugieser
Portugieser scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
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 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 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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fruitier.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tawny Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Nero di Troia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Tinta Negra
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbaresco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Syrah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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 more fruit-driven.
California Rhône blend
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
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.
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 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 fresher.
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 lighter, and fresher.
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 lighter.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Red Burgundy
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.
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.
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 lighter.
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.
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 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 fresher.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Barolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.