If you like this, try…
Wines like Hárslevelű
Tokaj’s second variety, contributing perfume and honeyed richness to Furmint blends. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Hárslevelű?
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 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.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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.
- The touch of sweetness
- Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.
Looking for something moving away from too floral or soapy, too buttery or thick, too sweet and too plain or too simple.
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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Alpine white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Etna Bianco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
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.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Dry Furmint
Both are made from hárslevelű, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.