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Wines like Sémillon

A thin-skinned, botrytis-prone variety essential to Sauternes and to a unique long-lived dry style in the Hunter Valley. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Sémillon?

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…

The creamy, rounded texture

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too light or thin too buttery or thick too oaky or woody too savoury or funky too sweet

Clear all

What these words mean

The citrus and orchard fruit: Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
How light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
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 vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
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.
The touch of sweetness: Actual sugar left in the wine, which is a different thing from tasting fruity. A wine can smell of ripe peach and be completely dry.

Looking for something keeping the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too buttery or thick, too sharp or lemony and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about texture, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about acidity, 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.

Avesso

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
A little less buttery or thick.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Malvazija Istarska

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
A little less buttery or thick.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
A little less savoury or funky.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
A little less buttery or thick.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Verdelho

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Pinot Gris

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
A little less buttery or thick.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
A little less savoury or funky.

Chenin Blanc

curated

Both are waxy, high-acid, ageworthy varieties made dry and sweet.

Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
More sharp or lemony, not less.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

Vidal

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

Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Roero Arneis

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

Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
A little less buttery or thick.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
A little less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Avesso

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Verdelho

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Avesso

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Verdelho

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

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

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.

Müller-Thurgau

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colombard

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

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

Parellada

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loureiro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Parellada

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Colombard

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

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

Kabinett

Kabinett scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.

Vidal

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

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Vidal

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Vidal

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

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

Hárslevelű

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Avesso

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

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

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fresher, and softer and rounder.

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

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

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fresher

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

Chenin Blanc

curated

Both are waxy, high-acid, ageworthy varieties made dry and sweet.

Expect: Higher acidity and a quince-and-honey rather than lanolin character.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

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

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

Gros Manseng

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

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

Petite Arvine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Alsace Pinot Gris

Both come from the same country.

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

California Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Austrian Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Crémant

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

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

Glera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Avesso

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Roero Arneis

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sauternes

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

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

Moscato d’Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Vin de Constance

Vin de Constance scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

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.

Avesso

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Verdelho

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

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

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Chenin Blanc

curated

Both are waxy, high-acid, ageworthy varieties made dry and sweet.

Expect: Higher acidity and a quince-and-honey rather than lanolin character.

Chardonnay

curated

A comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.

White Bordeaux

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

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.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Ortega

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

Solaris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.

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 aromatic.

Similar but more restrained

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

Avesso

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Pinot Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.

Verdelho

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

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

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 fresher, and more aromatic.

Roero Arneis

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

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

Arneis

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

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

Macabeo

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Sercial

Sercial scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

Both are made from sémillon.

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

Savennières

Both come from the same country.

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

Rkatsiteli

Rkatsiteli scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Avesso

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Vidal

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

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

Ortega

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

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

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

South African Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Hunter Valley Semillon

Both are made from sémillon.

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

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Hunter Valley Semillon

Both are made from sémillon.

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

South African Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Bordeaux

Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

South African Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Bordeaux

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.

Pinot Gris

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

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

Chardonnay

curated

A comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.

Chenin Blanc

curated

Both are waxy, high-acid, ageworthy varieties made dry and sweet.

Expect: Higher acidity and a quince-and-honey rather than lanolin character.

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.

Something more adventurous

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

Avesso

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Verdelho

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

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

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.

Avesso

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

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

Malvazija Istarska

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

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

Mtsvane Kakhuri

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

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

Verdelho

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

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

A step up

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

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chardonnay

curated

A comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.

Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

White Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, 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.