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, while moving away from 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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- 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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
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.
Riesling
Riesling 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.
Moschofilero
Moschofilero 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.
Riesling
Riesling 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.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Malagousia
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter, and spicier.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Greco
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 more oaky.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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 sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Roussanne
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, 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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
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 lighter, and less floral.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
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 spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Greco
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 savoury.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Riesling
Australian Riesling scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian 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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian 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.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy 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.