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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.
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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 the floral, perfumed side and the citrus and green-apple character, while moving away from too sharp or lemony.
- You said you like the citrus and green-apple character and that it is too sharp or lemony. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the citrus and green-apple character and that it is too sharp or lemony. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the citrus and green-apple character and that it is too sharp or lemony. Both are about aromatic intensity, 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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has noticeably less of the citrus and green-apple character.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
- About as sharp or lemony 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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 broader and softer, and fruitier.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Brda Rebula
Brda Rebula scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.
Moscato d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Welschriesling
Welschriesling scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Garganega
Garganega scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Soave
Soave scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 fruitier.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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 less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more sparkling.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Albariño
Albariño scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
Rías Baixas Albariño scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.