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 plain or too simple 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Keeps how much it smells of, before you even taste it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Australian Chardonnay
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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Chilean Chardonnay
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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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 plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Has some of how much it smells of, before you even taste it, though less of it.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from solaris, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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 less oaky.
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.
Loureiro
Loureiro 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 less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
New Zealand Chardonnay
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Champagne
Champagne 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.
Oloroso sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Moscatel de Setúbal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Vinsanto (Santorini)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
South African Chenin Blanc
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chilean Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
New Zealand Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more oaky.
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 less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
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 fruitier, and less oaky.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Solaris across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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 neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
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 neutral and subtle.
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.