If you like this, try…
Wines like Altesse
Savoie’s finest white variety, producing structured, honeyed Alpine wines. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Altesse?
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
- 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 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.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping that it is properly dry and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too light or thin, too austere and too savoury or funky.
- You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Altesse 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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Spätlese
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Marsanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Sémillon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Pinot Blanc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Greco
Greco scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Savagnin
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
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.