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 moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too savoury or funky, too plain or too simple and too buttery or thick.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Štajerska Šipon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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.
Alpine white
Both are made from altesse, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Aligoté
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Alpine white
Both are made from altesse, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Cortese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less 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 less oaky.
White Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less 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.