If you like this, try…
Wines like Colombard
A high-acid south-west French variety used for Armagnac and for crisp, inexpensive whites. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Colombard?
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.
- 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.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping how light and easy it feels and that it is properly dry, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like how light and easy it feels and that it is too alcoholic or warming. 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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of how light and easy it feels, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of how light and easy it feels.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
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.
Jacquère
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Tsolikouri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Phoenix
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
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 fuller and richer, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Phoenix
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more floral.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and leaner and more cutting.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
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.
Roditis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Pecorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more herbal and green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
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.