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 that it is properly dry, while moving away from too sharp or acidic, too buttery or thick and too austere.
- 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.
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 noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less austere.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- 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.
Chenin Blanc
curatedA 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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
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 more sparkling.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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
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 softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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.
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 more sparkling.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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.
Austrian Sekt
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.
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 floral.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 softer and rounder, 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.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 softer and rounder, and fresher.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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 floral.
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.
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 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.
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.
Vin Jaune
Both are made from savagnin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from savagnin, and 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
curatedA comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.
Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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 fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
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.
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.