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 savoury or funky, too sharp or lemony, too light or thin and too green or grassy.
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.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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 lighter.
Antão Vaz
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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 lighter.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Parellada
Parellada scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Koshu
Koshu 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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo 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.
Colombard
Colombard 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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Silvaner 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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Sekt
Both come from the same country.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 riper and less green.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Franken Silvaner
Both are made from silvaner, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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 lighter.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and riper and less green.
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 lighter.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Silvaner across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
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 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.