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.
Looking for something keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak and the tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too light or thin and too floral or soapy.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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 lighter, and less floral.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvazija Istarska
Malvazija Istarska scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 more oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Godello
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Soave Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
German dry Riesling (trocken) scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.