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

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.

Sémillon

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.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less savoury or funky.

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.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less savoury or funky.

Vidal

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Hárslevelű

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Malvasia

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Muscadelle

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Ortega

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less peppery.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Scheurebe

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

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

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 restrained in fruit.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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.

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 restrained in fruit.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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 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.

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 restrained in fruit.

Hárslevelű

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

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

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.

Ortega

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

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

Vidal

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

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Furmint

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

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

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 sweeter, and softer and rounder.

Condrieu

Both come from the same country.

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

Viognier

Both come from the same country.

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

Vin Santo

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

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.

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 restrained in fruit.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder.

Albana

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.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vouvray

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more restrained in fruit.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California traditional-method sparkling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Asti

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Hárslevelű

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

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 softer and rounder.

Muscadelle

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 more fruit-driven.

Ortega

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

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

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.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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 softer and rounder.

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 oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

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 restrained in fruit.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A 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 fresher, and fresher and more acidic.

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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Hárslevelű

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

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

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.

Ortega

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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 more restrained in fruit.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

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.

Ortega

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

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

Scheurebe

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

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

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.

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 restrained in fruit.

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.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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 softer and rounder.

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 both come from the same country.

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.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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

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

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.

Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more restrained in fruit.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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 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.

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 restrained in fruit.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

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

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 softer and rounder.

A step up

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

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

Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

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.