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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 and the full body and weight, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and too austere.

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.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Malvasia

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the full body and weight.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.

Pfalz Riesling

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps the full body and weight.
A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.

Vidal

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less austere.

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Malvasia

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

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

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

Malvasia

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

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vouvray

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

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 softer and rounder.

Viognier

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more fruit-driven.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Kisi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Petit Manseng

Both come from the same country.

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

Valais Petite Arvine

Valais Petite Arvine scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter.

Méthode Cap Classique

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

California traditional-method sparkling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Cava

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

Madeira

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Marsala

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.

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.

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kisi

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more fruit-driven.

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

Gewürztraminer

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.

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more fruit-driven.

Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Franken Silvaner

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Gewürztraminer

Both come from the same country.

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.

Amontillado sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Palo Cortado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pfalz Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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 fresher and more acidic.

Vin Jaune

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 fresher and more acidic.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Vin Jaune

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 fresher and more acidic.

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 lighter.

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.

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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 softer and rounder.

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.