If you like this, try…

Wines like Xarel·lo

The most structured of the three Cava grapes, giving body, acidity and ageing capacity. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Xarel·lo?

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.

I like…

The creamy, rounded texture That it is not oaky That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too buttery or thick too plain or too simple too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

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.
That it is not too strong: Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
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.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping that it is properly dry and the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, while moving away from too buttery or thick and too plain or too simple.

You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about texture, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too buttery or thick. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Macabeo

curated

Its partner in Cava, and the obvious comparison.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
A little less buttery or thick.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Etna Bianco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Has some of the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, though less of it.
Substantially less buttery or thick.
Substantially less plain or too simple.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Macabeo

curated

Its partner in Cava, and the obvious comparison.

Expect: Macabeo is softer, floral and less structured; Xarel·lo carries the backbone.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

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.

Alpine white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Hondarrabi Zuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Aligoté

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

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.

Alpine white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Hunter Valley Semillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.

Hondarrabi Zuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Colombard

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.

Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

White Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky.

Friuli white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Istrian Malvazija

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more savoury.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Pošip

Pošip scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

Roussanne

Roussanne scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

California Chardonnay

California Chardonnay scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Marsanne

Marsanne scores closest to Xarel·lo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Cava

Both are made from xarel·lo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

Crémant

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

English sparkling wine

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

Austrian Sekt

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Cava

Both are made from xarel·lo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

English still white

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

Rheingau Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

Montlouis-sur-Loire

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Sauvignon Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Pouilly-Fumé

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more herbal and green.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Gavi

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Pinot Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Sancerre

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Etna Bianco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Savennières

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Sauvignon Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and leaner and more cutting.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less oaky.

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.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Rías Baixas Albariño

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.

Chablis

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Etna Bianco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Aligoté

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

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.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Etna Bianco

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.

Aligoté

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.

Australian Chardonnay

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

White Burgundy

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.

Santorini Assyrtiko

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.

How these are chosen

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.