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.
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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.
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 how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too sweet.
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.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Rheingau Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less sweet.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
Falanghina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
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.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Nahe Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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 more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Champagne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fresher and more acidic.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Sekt
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Santo
Both are made from malvasia.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
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 more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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 neutral and subtle, and drier.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Vermentino
curatedA 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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Alsace Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Pouilly-Fumé
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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 more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.
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 neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
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.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more herbal and green.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more savoury.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Rheinhessen Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
Shiraz
Shiraz scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Super Tuscan
Super Tuscan scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.