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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.
Refine
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.
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 moving away from too austere, too perfumed and too sharp or lemony.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 riper and less green.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
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.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
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 more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Rueda Verdejo
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Sancerre
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
Sancerre
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Pouilly-Fumé
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Rueda Verdejo
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and riper and less green.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
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.