If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 that the fruit is not covered in oak and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too sweet and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
- You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about acidity, 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.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Douro white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- 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.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
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.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 drier, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Corpinnat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Cava
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Franciacorta
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.
Vin Santo
Both are made from malvasia.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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 drier.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and lighter.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Altesse
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
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.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
curatedA useful anchor for a grapey, aromatic white made across the sweetness range.
Expect: Malvasia is a family rather than a variety, so the style varies enormously; it is generally less overtly grapey than Muscat.
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.
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 drier, and more oaky.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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 drier, and more oaky.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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 leaner and more cutting.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more sparkling.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Grechetto
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Xarel·lo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Priorat
Priorat scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
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.