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Wines like Savagnin

The Jura’s distinctive white variety, and — as Traminer — the ancestor of Gewürztraminer. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Savagnin?

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…

How full and weighty it is How fresh and crisp it is The creamy, rounded texture The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too heavy too sharp or acidic too buttery or thick too peppery too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

How full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
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 creamy, rounded texture: A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
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 full body and weight, while moving away from too austere, too peppery and too heavy.

You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the full body and weight and that it is too heavy. Both are about alcohol, 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.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Albana

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Welschriesling

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Hárslevelű

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

Scheurebe

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

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less heavy.

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

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Hárslevelű

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less spicy.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Condrieu

Both come from the same country.

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

Viognier

Both come from the same country.

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

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

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Hárslevelű

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Petite Arvine

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Similar but softer

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

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and leaner and more cutting.

Hárslevelű

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Grechetto

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less spicy.

The sparkling version

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

Champagne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stiller.

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

English sparkling wine

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Aidani

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Finger Lakes Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

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.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Hárslevelű

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less oaky.

Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less oaky.

California Chardonnay

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

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

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 less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Hárslevelű

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Ortega

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Seyval Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but more floral

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

Hárslevelű

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Ortega

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more savoury

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Vin Jaune

Both are made from savagnin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

Chenin Blanc

curated

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but fruitier

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

Muscadelle

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Spätlese

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Hárslevelű

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more floral.

Scheurebe

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more aromatic.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

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

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Pinot Gris

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

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

English Bacchus

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Something more adventurous

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

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

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.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and softer and rounder.

Vouvray

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more sparkling.

Albana

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

Welschriesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.

A step up

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Chablis

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

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.