If you like this, try…
Wines like Albana
An Emilia-Romagna variety with thick skins, well suited to skin contact and to sweet passito wines. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Albana?
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 citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- 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.
- 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 creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The touch of sweetness
- Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.
Looking for something moving away from too light or thin, too buttery or thick 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Verdelho
Verdelho scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Albana 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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Oloroso sherry
Oloroso sherry scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Palo Cortado
Palo Cortado scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Friuli white
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Chilean Chardonnay
Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Gavi
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Wachau Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
German dry Riesling (trocken) scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Albana across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.