If you like this, try…
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.
Refine
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.
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 moving away from too buttery or thick, too sweet and too sharp or lemony.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sweet.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less sweet.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 fresher, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Jacquère
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Grenache Blanc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Marsanne
Both come from the same country.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
curatedBoth are waxy, high-acid, ageworthy varieties made dry and sweet.
Expect: Higher acidity and a quince-and-honey rather than lanolin character.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Grenache Blanc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
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 fruitier.
English sparkling wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
English Blanc de Blancs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fresher, and fruitier.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
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 fruitier.
Chardonnay
curatedA 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 drier.
White Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Macabeo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and softer and rounder.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Melon de Bourgogne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Macabeo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Müller-Thurgau
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Muscadet
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Vin Jaune
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Avesso
Avesso scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Solaris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sémillon, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sémillon, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Chablis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 fresher, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 fresher, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Verdelho
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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.