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.
Refine
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too alcoholic or warming.
- You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol, and less oaky.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
English still white
English still white scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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
Both are made from kerner.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Spätlese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Riesling
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
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 oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
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 oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Fino and Manzanilla sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Amontillado sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Palo Cortado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Oloroso sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and sweeter.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and sweeter.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and spicier.
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 in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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 in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer 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 less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
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.
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 oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Kerner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
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.