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 fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from 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.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

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.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Rkatsiteli

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Brda Rebula

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Ribolla Gialla

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Savennières

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Chablis

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

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
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.

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 less spicy, and lighter.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Brda Rebula

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

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

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.

Albariño

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

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

Aligoté

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 fresher.

Alpine white

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 fresher.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Aligoté

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 fresher.

Alpine white

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

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

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

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

Carricante

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Canadian Icewine

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

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

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Savagnin across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Sauternes

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and sweeter.

Austrian botrytis sweet wine

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, 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.

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 less spicy, and lighter.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Savennières

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 fresher.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Brda Rebula

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

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

Ribolla Gialla

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

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

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Trebbiano Spoletino

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

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

Similar but fresher

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

Savennières

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.

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 less spicy.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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.

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 less spicy.

Soave Classico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 less spicy.

The sparkling version

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

Australian traditional-method sparkling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Austrian Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Champagne

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

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

Corpinnat

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Canadian Icewine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Ribolla Gialla

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

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

Greco

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

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

Austrian Riesling

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

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

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

Furmint

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Alsace Riesling

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 fresher.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pouilly-Fumé

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

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

Sancerre

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

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

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Muscadet

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

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

Melon de Bourgogne

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

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

Gavi

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

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

Jacquère

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Albariño

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

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

Alsace Riesling

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

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

Australian Riesling

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

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Vin Jaune

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 spicier, and more aromatic.

Qvevri amber wine

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Albariño

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

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

Alsace Riesling

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 fresher.

Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)

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

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

Coteaux du Layon

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

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

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 less spicy, and lighter in alcohol.

Vin Jaune

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 spicier, and more aromatic.

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 less spicy, and lighter.

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 spicier, and more restrained in fruit.

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more oaky.

Chablis

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 fresher.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

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 less spicy, and lighter.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Brda Rebula

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

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

Ribolla Gialla

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

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

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.

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 less spicy, and lighter.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Brda Rebula

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

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

Ribolla Gialla

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

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

A step up

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chablis

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 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.