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 light or thin.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
- A little less light or thin.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
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 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.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Savagnin
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Champagne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Oloroso sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Moscatel de Setúbal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Recioto della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 lighter, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and drier.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and more aromatic.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauternes
Both are made from sémillon, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 lighter, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.