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, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too plain or too simple and too savoury or funky.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Vidiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
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.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
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.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
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.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero 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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
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.
Marsanne
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
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.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Crémant
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
White Port
White Port scores closest to Altesse across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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.
Roussanne
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
White Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Savennières
Both come from the same country.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Savagnin
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
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)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
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.
Godello
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
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.
Godello
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
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.