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 keeping that it is properly dry and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming and too austere.
- You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, 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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Jacquère
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Petit Manseng
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 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.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and broader and softer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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 drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Condrieu
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Viognier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
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.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
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 fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
German dry Riesling (trocken) scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Colombard across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.