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Wines like Sauvignon Blanc

A pungently aromatic variety whose character swings from flinty and restrained in the Loire to explosively tropical in Marlborough. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Sauvignon Blanc?

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.

I like…

The tropical fruit The citrus and orchard fruit How fresh and crisp it is The herbal, green side How aromatic it is That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too sharp or lemony too sharp or acidic too green or grassy too perfumed too austere

Clear all

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.
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 fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
The herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
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.
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 the fresh, crisp acidity and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too perfumed and too austere.

You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic intensity, 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.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Mosel Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Bacchus

curated

England’s signature white variety occupies very similar aromatic territory — elderflower, nettle and grapefruit.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Has noticeably less of how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
Substantially less perfumed.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Kabinett

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.

Kabinett

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Coteaux du Layon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

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.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more sparkling.

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 softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.

Rkatsiteli

Rkatsiteli scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Trebbiano Spoletino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more neutral and subtle.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sekt

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.

Champagne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and stiller.

Austrian Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

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 more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.

Mosel Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and lighter.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

White Bordeaux

Both are made from sauvignon blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Mosel Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Rheingau Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Mosel Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Alsace Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.

Kabinett

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.

Rheingau Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and riper and less green.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more sparkling.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Mosel Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.

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.

Sancerre

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.

Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

South African Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Pouilly-Fumé

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and earthier.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Sancerre

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

South African Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Pouilly-Fumé

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Friuli white

Both are made from sauvignon blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.

Sauternes

Both are made from sauvignon blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

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.

Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Mosel Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.

Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Vinho Verde

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Petite Arvine

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Finger Lakes Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less oaky.

Spätlese

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more floral.

Petit Manseng

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.

How these are chosen

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.