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 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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- 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.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Kisi
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 light or thin.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Clairette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- A little less light or thin.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- 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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano 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.
Parellada
Parellada 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 lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano 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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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 fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Rkatsiteli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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
Cava scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 fresher and more acidic.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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 softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 fruitier.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 lighter.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Assyrtiko
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
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu 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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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 fruitier.
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.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
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 more oaky, and lighter.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Grenache Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Antão Vaz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay 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.