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.
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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 moving away from too sharp or acidic, too plain or too simple and too light or thin.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
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.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in 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 lighter, and more herbal and green.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more oaky.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Méthode Cap Classique
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
California traditional-method sparkling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and spicier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and rounder and creamier in 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 lighter, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Condrieu
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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 lighter, 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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, 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 lighter, and more herbal and green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and stronger and warmer.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
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.