If you like this, try…
Wines like Solaris
A very early-ripening disease-resistant crossing, important in Wales and Scandinavia. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Solaris?
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 tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
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 more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Parellada
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Auxerrois
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from solaris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Kerner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Chosen because you asked for something fresher.
English still white
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and drier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Arneis
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more floral.
Athiri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Falanghina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and sweeter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
English still white
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Treixadura
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
English still white
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Treixadura
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Avesso
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Graševina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more herbal and green.
English still white
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more neutral and subtle.
Garganega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from solaris, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
English still white
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Rías Baixas Albariño
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
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.
Maria Gomes
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from solaris, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fuller and richer.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
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.