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.
Refine
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.
Looking for something keeping the tropical, exotic fruit and how much it smells of, before you even taste it, while moving away from too perfumed and too light or thin.
- You said you like how much it smells of, before you even taste it and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially 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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Pošip
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Pošip
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.
Müller-Thurgau
Müller-Thurgau scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Parellada
Parellada scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Solaris 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.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Parellada
Parellada scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Solaris 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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Recioto della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pošip
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Pošip
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
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.