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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 that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere, too sharp or acidic and too sharp or lemony.

You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, 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.

Scheurebe

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Welschriesling

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Albana

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Verdejo

curated

Rueda Verdejo is the closest Spanish equivalent — herbal, citrusy and crisp.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Bacchus

curated

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

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
A little less sharp or acidic.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.

Hárslevelű

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

Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Grüner Veltliner

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green, savoury edge.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
About as austere as the wine you started from.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
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.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

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.

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Müller-Thurgau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 acidic, and fresher.

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Kabinett

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Mantinia Moschofilero

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Vidal

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

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

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.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Friuli white

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 softer

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

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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.

Hárslevelű

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

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

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 drier, and more neutral and subtle.

Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Méthode Cap Classique

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.

Scheurebe

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

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

Aidani

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

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

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.

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.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

Friuli white

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.

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.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

Grüner Veltliner

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green, savoury edge.

Expect: White pepper and lentil-like savouriness in place of gooseberry and passionfruit.

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.

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.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

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.

Vidal

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

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Grüner Veltliner

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green, savoury edge.

Expect: White pepper and lentil-like savouriness in place of gooseberry and passionfruit.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Garganega

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Gewürztraminer

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

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

Condrieu

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

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

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Friuli white

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.

Sancerre

Both are made from sauvignon blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Pouilly-Fumé

Both are made from sauvignon blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Friuli white

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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.

Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher and more acidic.

Glera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Grüner Veltliner

curated

Both are dry, high-acid, herbal whites with a green, savoury edge.

Expect: White pepper and lentil-like savouriness in place of gooseberry and passionfruit.

Something more adventurous

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

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

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.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

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 broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

A step up

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

Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 more neutral and subtle.

California Chardonnay

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

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

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.