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, too savoury or funky, too sharp or lemony and too buttery or thick.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Clairette
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick 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.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Roussanne
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.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Roussanne
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.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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
Müller-Thurgau scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Colombard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Parellada
Parellada scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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 fruitier.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Colombard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Roussanne
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.
Condrieu
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Viognier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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.
Petit Manseng
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Gros Manseng
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
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.
Condrieu
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Viognier
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in 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 softer and rounder.
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 fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Roussanne
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.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sauternes
Both are made from sémillon, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Vin de Constance
Vin de Constance scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Clairette
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.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Condrieu
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Clairette
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.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Pinot Blanc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
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.
Clairette
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.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Macabeo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Savagnin
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sémillon, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Roussanne
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.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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.
Roussanne
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.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Chardonnay
curatedA 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.
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.