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.
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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 how light and easy it feels, the floral, perfumed side and the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too floral or soapy.
- You said you like the floral, perfumed side and that it is too floral or soapy. Both are about floral character, 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.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- 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.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter in alcohol.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
Expect: More pungent and tropical, and fuller in body.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
English still white
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
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.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Rueda Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
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.
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.