If you like this, try…
Wines like Kerner
A German crossing of Riesling and Schiava, grown in Germany and notably in Alto Adige. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Kerner?
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.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- 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 floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
Looking for something moving away from too floral or soapy.
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.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Slavonian Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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 oaky.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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 oaky.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more 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
Both are made from kerner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Alpine white
Both are made from kerner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Jacquère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Pfalz Riesling
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 oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
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.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Grechetto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Xarel·lo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alpine white
Both are made from kerner, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Arinto
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
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, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more sparkling.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Grillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Bical
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Doña Blanca
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Scheurebe
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and sweeter.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more oaky.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more oaky.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and earthier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Pouilly-Fumé
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more herbal and green.
Auslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Eiswein
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and sweeter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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 oaky.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more 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.
Rheinhessen Riesling
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 oaky.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
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 more oaky, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.