If you like this, try…
Wines like Silvaner
A gentle, earthy German and Alsatian white that lets site speak with unusual clarity. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Silvaner?
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 herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
- 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.
Looking for something moving away from too buttery or thick, too savoury or funky, too earthy or musty and 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.
Pinot Blanc
curatedBoth are gentle, low-aromatic dry whites.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less light or thin.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little less light or thin.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less earthy or musty.
- A little 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.
Pinot Blanc
curatedBoth are gentle, low-aromatic dry whites.
Expect: Softer and more appley, with less earthiness.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Riesling
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Spätlese
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Silvaner 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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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 lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sekt
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vin de Constance
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sauternes
Sauternes scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Moscatel de Setúbal
Moscatel de Setúbal scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
curatedBoth are gentle, low-aromatic dry whites.
Expect: Softer and more appley, with less earthiness.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Kerner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Franken Silvaner
Both are made from silvaner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Silvaner 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.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.