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, too light or thin and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Fiano
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 light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Fiano di Avellino
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 light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Roussanne
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 light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Loureiro
Loureiro 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.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
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 riper and less green, and lighter.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fresher and more acidic.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
English sparkling wine
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Vouvray
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 fruitier.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
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.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and riper and less green.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
Spätlese 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 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 lighter, and less floral.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedA comparably light, high-acid, herbal white.
Expect: More peppery and savoury, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
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.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and riper and less green.
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.