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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.

← Back to Sémillon

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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.

I like…

The creamy, rounded texture

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too light or thin too buttery or thick too oaky or woody too savoury or funky too sweet

Clear all

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 sweet, too light or thin, too savoury or funky 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.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
About as oaky or woody as the wine you started from.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
A little less oaky or woody.

Roussanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
A little less savoury or funky.
A little less oaky or woody.

Antão Vaz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less oaky or woody.

Pfalz Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
A little less oaky or woody.

Godello

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less sweet.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
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.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Pošip

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.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Pošip

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.

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.

Loureiro

Loureiro scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Moschofilero

Moschofilero scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Mantinia Moschofilero

Mantinia Moschofilero 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 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.

Spätlese

Spätlese scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Loureiro

Loureiro scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Moschofilero

Moschofilero 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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 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 spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Malvasia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

Malvazija Istarska

Malvazija Istarska 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.

Gros Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Sauvignon Blanc

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 spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.

Austrian Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Pošip

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

Antão Vaz

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.

Recioto della Valpolicella

Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Canadian Icewine

Canadian Icewine scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter in alcohol.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more oaky.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

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.

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.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

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.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Marsanne

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.

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 spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

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.

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.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Pinot Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

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.

Godello

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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 spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

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.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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 lighter.

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

Greco di Tufo

Greco di Tufo scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

Greco

Greco scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

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 fruitier, 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 fruitier, 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.

South African Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sémillon, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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 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.

South African Sauvignon Blanc

Both are made from sémillon.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

White Bordeaux

Both are made from sémillon, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

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

curated

A comparably low-aromatic, textural white that rewards oak, lees and time.

Expect: Rounder and more overtly fruity, and far more widely available.

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.

German dry Riesling (trocken)

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.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Pošip

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.

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.

Condrieu

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Viognier

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fruitier.

Pošip

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.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Sémillon across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

White Burgundy

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.

How these are chosen

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.