If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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, that it is properly dry and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere, too peppery and too savoury or funky.
- 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.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. 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.
Chenin Blanc
curatedA comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
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.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
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.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
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
curatedA comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.
Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Chenin Blanc
curatedA comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.
Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Nahe Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Friuli white
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.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 lighter, and less spicy.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Chenin Blanc
curatedA comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.
Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
curatedA 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 lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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 lighter, and less spicy.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 more savoury, and drier.
Vin Jaune
Both are made from savagnin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
curatedThe structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
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
curatedA comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.
Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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.