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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.
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, while moving away from too plain or too simple and too perfumed.
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.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less perfumed.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
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 less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Touriga Franca
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 fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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 less oaky, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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 less oaky, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Vin Santo
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fuller and richer.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
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 drier, and more savoury.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Malvasia 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.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Zinfandel
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and spicier.
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.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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 less oaky, and drier.
Madeira
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 stronger and warmer, and more savoury.
White Port
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 stronger and warmer, and softer and rounder.
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.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
White Port
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 stronger and warmer, and spicier.
Madeira
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 stronger and warmer, and fresher and more acidic.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
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.