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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 full body and weight, the savoury, non-fruity character and 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.

Savennières

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Assyrtiko

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Greco di Tufo

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Greco

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
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.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Keeps the full body and weight.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less peppery.

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
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.

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.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Greco

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

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.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Greco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Etna Bianco

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

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

Carricante

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Etna Bianco

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

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

Carricante

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

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

Chablis

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

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

Juhfark

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

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

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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.

Condrieu

Both come from the same country.

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

Viognier

Both come from the same country.

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

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

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.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Greco

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Friuli white

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

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

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Kisi

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 lighter, and less spicy.

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.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Greco

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.

Friuli white

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Soave Classico

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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.

Champagne

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

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

Corpinnat

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

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

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Australian traditional-method sparkling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Bual

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

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

A comparably waxy, high-acid, ageworthy white.

Expect: More fruit and much less oxidative character.

Szamorodni

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

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

Furmint

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

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

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.

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Bual

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Friuli white

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Austrian Riesling

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Sancerre

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

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

Pouilly-Fumé

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

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sémillon

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

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

Franken Silvaner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Alsace Riesling

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

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

Sancerre

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

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

Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more savoury, and less spicy.

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 more savoury, and spicier.

Qvevri amber wine

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

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

Chianti Classico Riserva

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

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

Similar but fruitier

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Dry Furmint

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

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

Chilean Chardonnay

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

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

Pfalz Riesling

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

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

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 lighter, and less spicy.

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 savoury.

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 lighter, and less spicy.

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 savoury.

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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 lighter, and less spicy.

Something more adventurous

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

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.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Greco

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

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, 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.

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.

Assyrtiko

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

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

Greco di Tufo

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

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

Greco

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

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

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 more savoury, and less spicy.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

White Burgundy

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 spicier.

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.