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 keeping how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too light or thin 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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
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.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Australian Chardonnay
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.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chilean Chardonnay
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.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
South African Chenin 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.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Friuli white
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.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Alpine white
Both are made from kerner.
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.
Spätlese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Alpine white
Both are made from kerner.
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.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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 less oaky.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Oloroso sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and stronger and warmer.
Palo Cortado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Moscatel de Setúbal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Sauternes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more savoury.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Kerner 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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Kerner 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.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.