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Wines like Malvasia

A large family of related varieties spread across the Mediterranean, and the sweetest Madeira style (Malmsey). Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Malvasia?

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.

I like…

The tropical fruit How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture That it is not oaky How aromatic it is

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too heavy too buttery or thick too plain or too simple too perfumed too sweet

Clear all

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 full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
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.
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 keeping the full body and weight and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from 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.

Clairette

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
A little less buttery or thick.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Sercial

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Malvazija Istarska

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Catarratto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Trebbiano Abruzzese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
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.

Clairette

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Sercial

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Vermentino

curated

A comparable Mediterranean white with body, moderate acidity and a faintly bitter finish.

Expect: Vermentino is more citric and saline; Malvasia is more floral and apricot-scented.

Clairette

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Malvazija Istarska

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Catarratto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Douro white

Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more oaky.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Douro white

Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Greco

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.

Antão Vaz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Grenache Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Kisi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.

Tinto Cão

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Catarratto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Grenache Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Glera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Clairette

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Malvazija Istarska

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Catarratto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Bual

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.

Coteaux du Layon

Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Douro white

Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Encruzado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Friuli white

Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Sercial

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Malvazija Istarska

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Clairette

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Welschriesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Sercial

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

Greco

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.

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Petit Manseng

Petit Manseng scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

Spätlese

Spätlese scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Friuli white

Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Douro white

Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

Friuli white

Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

Douro white

Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Friuli white

Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.

Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

Pinot Grigio

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Clairette

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Sercial

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

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.

Clairette

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Bical

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Albana

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Sercial

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.

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 fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.

How these are chosen

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.