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 that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling, too buttery or thick and 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- A little less light or thin.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Bical
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Picpoul de Pinet
Picpoul de Pinet 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 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.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde 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.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Txakoli
Txakoli 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Tsolikouri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Cava
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bical
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris 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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Scheurebe
Scheurebe scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Spätlese
Spätlese 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 fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.