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.

← Back to Savagnin

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.

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 savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too sharp or acidic, too austere, too buttery or thick and too peppery.

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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Sercial

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less peppery.

Sémillon

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Vouvray

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
More sharp or acidic, not less.
Substantially less austere.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less peppery.

Verdelho

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less peppery.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Substantially less peppery.

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less peppery.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less peppery.

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.

Sercial

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

Sercial

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

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A 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 softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vouvray

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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

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 softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vouvray

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fresher, and less spicy.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder, and sweeter.

Condrieu

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Viognier

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Sercial

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.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Kisi

Kisi scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Istrian Malvazija

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fresher, and less spicy.

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Valais Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Similar but softer

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Pfalz Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

English Blanc de Blancs

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Crémant

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Vouvray

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

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.

Sercial

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

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

Verdelho

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

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

Bual

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Welschriesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

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

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and rounder and creamier in texture.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadet

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Similar but more floral

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadelle

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but more savoury

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

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Sercial

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

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Verdelho

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadelle

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.

Something more adventurous

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

Sercial

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vouvray

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

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

Verdelho

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.

Sercial

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Vouvray

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

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

Verdelho

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.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Australian Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.