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 keeping the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too sweet, too sharp or lemony and too savoury or funky.
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.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- More sharp or lemony, not less.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially 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.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Colombard
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.
Müller-Thurgau
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and fresher.
Parellada
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
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.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and sweeter.
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.
Ribolla Gialla
Ribolla Gialla scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Gros Manseng
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
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.
Viognier
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.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and 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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Auxerrois
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 sweeter, and fresher.
Auslese
Auslese scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Vin de Constance
Vin de Constance scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more aromatic.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more savoury.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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 drier, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Solaris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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 drier, and fresher.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
White Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
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.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Friulano
Friulano 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.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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 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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and leaner and more cutting.
Glera
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.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Malagousia
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.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Malagousia
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
White Burgundy
Both come from the same country.
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.