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 savoury or funky 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.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Treixadura
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Gris
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.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Gris
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.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Jacquère
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.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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 fruitier, and fresher.
Roussanne
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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Pinot Gris
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.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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
curatedBoth are waxy, high-acid, ageworthy varieties made dry and sweet.
Expect: Higher acidity and a quince-and-honey rather than lanolin character.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Štajerska Šipon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
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.
Auxerrois
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Sauternes
Both are made from sémillon, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Treixadura
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
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.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Muscadet
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Ortega
Ortega scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
Both come from the same country.
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 more savoury.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.
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.
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
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Pinot Grigio
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.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and softer and rounder.
Macabeo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Roero Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Avesso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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 Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
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.