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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 moving away from too sharp or acidic, too savoury or funky, too heavy, too peppery and too buttery or thick.

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.

About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Verdelho

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

A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
A little less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

Avesso

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

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

Istrian Malvazija

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

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
A little less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

Rueda Verdejo

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

A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

Verdejo

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

A little less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less heavy.
Substantially less peppery.
A little less buttery or thick.

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.

Verdelho

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Avesso

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

Verdelho

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Avesso

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

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.

Avesso

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

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.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Rheingau Riesling

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

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

Spätlese

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

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.

Verdelho

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Brda Rebula

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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 fruit-driven.

Rheingau Riesling

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

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

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.

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Bordeaux

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.

Altesse

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.

The sparkling version

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

Austrian Sekt

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

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

Sekt

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

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

Crémant

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.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

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.

Scheurebe

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

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

Ortega

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

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.

Verdelho

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Avesso

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

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

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.

White Bordeaux

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

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

Chardonnay

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

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

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 softer and rounder.

Torrontés

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

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

Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Pinot Blanc

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.

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.

Similar but more floral

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Kerner

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

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

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Vin Jaune

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

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

Pouilly-Fumé

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.

Chasselas

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 restrained in fruit.

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 less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Avesso

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from savagnin, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

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

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

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

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.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Australian Riesling

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

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Something more adventurous

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

Verdelho

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Avesso

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

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.

Verdelho

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and stronger and warmer.

Avesso

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less spicy.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

A step up

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more savoury.

Chablis

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 savoury.

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.