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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.
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 the full body and weight and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too plain or too simple and 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.
Friuli white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sweet.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sweet.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sweet.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sweet.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sweet.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sweet.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less sweet.
Douro white
Both are made from malvasia, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
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.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Oloroso sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
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.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Amontillado sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fuller and richer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
Pedro Ximénez sherry scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
Vinsanto (Santorini) scores closest to Malvasia across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fresher and more acidic.
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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
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 fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
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 less 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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
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 fresher and more acidic.
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 less oaky.
Madeira
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 fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
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 sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
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 drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 less oaky.
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 sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
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 fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 less oaky.
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 fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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 less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Argentine Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Super Tuscan
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.