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 plain or too simple, too buttery or thick 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.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially 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.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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 less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
English still white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Aligoté
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Hunter Valley Semillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Brda Rebula
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marsanne
Marsanne 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.
Crémant
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
English sparkling wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Cava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
English Blanc de Blancs
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Vermentino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
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 more aromatic, and less oaky.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Etna Bianco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Hárslevelű across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Chablis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Slavonian Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.