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 the floral, perfumed side, while moving away from too green or grassy and 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.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe nearest widely available equivalent in aromatic style.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- About as green or grassy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- 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.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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 riper and less green, and more floral.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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 more floral.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Koshu
Koshu 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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and broader and softer.
Macabeo
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.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more 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 more floral.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and stiller.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
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.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe 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 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 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.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more sparkling.
Soave
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
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.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Silvaner
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese 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 riper and less green, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fuller and richer.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green, and less 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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
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 more herbal and green, and more floral.
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.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
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 more herbal and green, and more 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.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and drier.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
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.