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 it is not too alcoholic, that it is properly dry and that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too plain or too simple.
- 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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that it is not too alcoholic.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has noticeably less of that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Soave
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of that it is not too alcoholic, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
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.
Hondarrabi Zuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Txakoli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more sparkling.
Jacquère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Verdicchio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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.
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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Verdicchio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
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 sweeter, and less oaky.
Corpinnat
Both are made from parellada, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Cava
Both are made from parellada, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Corpinnat
Both are made from parellada, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Parellada across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less floral.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more 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.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more herbal and green.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fuller and richer.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and stronger and warmer.
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.