If you like this, try…
Wines like Parellada
The lightest and most delicate of the Cava grapes, grown at altitude for freshness. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Parellada?
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 citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too plain or too simple, too austere and too floral or soapy.
- You said you like that the fruit is not covered in oak and that it is too plain or too simple. Both are about oak influence, 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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as plain or too simple as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Slavonian Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Txakoli
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fuller and richer.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
English still white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Cava
Both are made from parellada, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Corpinnat
Both are made from parellada, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
English Blanc de Blancs
English Blanc de Blancs scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Ortega
Ortega scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fuller and richer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.