If you like this, try…
Wines like Bacchus
England’s most distinctive still white variety: aromatic, hedgerow-scented and often compared to Sauvignon Blanc. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Bacchus?
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.
- The tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
Looking for something moving away from too sharp or lemony, too light or thin and too floral or soapy.
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.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Bacchus 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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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 less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
English still white
Both are made from bacchus, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
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.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.