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 light or thin and too oaky or woody.
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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Substantially less sweet.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less oaky or woody.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
curatedA comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.
Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Parellada
Parellada scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Melon de Bourgogne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
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.
Friuli white
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 less oaky, and lighter.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Roussanne
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.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Méthode Cap Classique
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California traditional-method sparkling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
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.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 more oaky, and lighter.
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.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
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.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Soave Classico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Roussanne
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.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 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 softer and rounder, and spicier.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 drier.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Both are made from sémillon.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter, 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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
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.