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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 keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too light or thin and 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Spätlese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
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 lighter, and less floral.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvazija Istarska
Malvazija Istarska scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Beerenauslese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
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.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Austrian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.