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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 citrus and green-apple character, while moving away from too austere, too green or grassy and too tropical or sweet-smelling.

You said you like the citrus and green-apple character and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. Both are about fruit 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.

Vouvray

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

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Riesling

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

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Petite Arvine

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

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Chenin Blanc

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

Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Mosel Riesling

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

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Welsh white wine

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

Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less green or grassy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

Vouvray

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

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

Riesling

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

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Vouvray

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

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

Riesling

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

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

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

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 fruitier.

Riesling

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

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

Vinho Verde

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kabinett

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, and fruitier.

Riesling

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

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

Kabinett

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vinho Verde

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Assyrtiko

curated

For someone who wants the bracing acidity without the herbaceous aromatics.

Expect: Far more mineral and saline, fuller in body, and considerably more serious.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Vouvray

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

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, and broader and softer.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Trebbiano Spoletino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malvasia

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

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

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 riper and less green, and softer and rounder.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano Toscano

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

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

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

Champagne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vouvray

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

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

English Blanc de Blancs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, 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 fruitier.

Furmint

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

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 fruitier.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

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 riper and less green, and broader and softer.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

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 fruitier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Welsh white wine

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

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

Similar but more restrained

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Assyrtiko

curated

For someone who wants the bracing acidity without the herbaceous aromatics.

Expect: Far more mineral and saline, fuller in body, and considerably more serious.

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.

Similar but fruitier

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fruitier, and riper and less green.

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.

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 herbal and green.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Pouilly-Fumé

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

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 fruitier.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Sancerre

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

Pouilly-Fumé

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.

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 fruitier.

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 fruitier.

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 riper and less green.

White Bordeaux

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

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

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 fruitier.

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 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.

Riesling

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Mosel Riesling

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

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

Vinho Verde

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Vouvray

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

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Vouvray

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

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 riper and less green.

Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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

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

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 riper and less green.

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.