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 keeping how light and easy it feels and the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too sharp or lemony and too light or thin.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too light or thin. Both are about alcohol, 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.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
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.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and riper and less green.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Jaune
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
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 riper and less green, and lighter.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
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.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Vermentino
Vermentino scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
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 riper and less green, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.