If you like this, try…

Wines like Australian Chardonnay

A category deliberately reset from heavy and oaky to taut and citrus-driven — now one of the best-value serious whites in the world. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Australian Chardonnay

Refine

What do you like about Australian Chardonnay?

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…

How full and weighty it is The creamy, rounded texture The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too heavy too buttery or thick too oaky or woody too savoury or funky too austere

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 full and weighty it is: Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
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.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
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.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

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

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.

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, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic.

Godello

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Douro white

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Fiano di Avellino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Chablis

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Soave

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

White Bordeaux

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more aromatic.

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.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Chablis

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Condrieu

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Australian Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

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.

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Chosen because you asked for something less tannic.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.

Kisi

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

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

Rkatsiteli

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

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

Istrian Malvazija

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

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.

Dry Furmint

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more fruit-driven.

Chablis

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Savennières

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

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

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

Marsanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.

Pošip

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and leaner and more cutting.

The sparkling version

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

Australian traditional-method sparkling

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.

Franciacorta

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.

Méthode Cap Classique

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.

California traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.

Similar but sweeter

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

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

English still white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher and more acidic.

Pfalz Riesling

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

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

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Kisi

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.

Friulano

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Austrian Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.

Greco

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

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Roussanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Australian Riesling

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

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

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Pinot Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and lighter.

Similar but more floral

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

Fiano di Avellino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.

Roussanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.

Albariño

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fresher and more acidic.

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Coteaux du Layon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Condrieu

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

Chablis

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more restrained in fruit.

English still white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Australian traditional-method sparkling

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

Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and sweeter.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

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.

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic.

Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and spicier.

Something more adventurous

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

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.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more tannic and structured.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.

A step up

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

White Burgundy

curated

The model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.

Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.

Santorini Assyrtiko

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

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

South African Chenin Blanc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more fruit-driven.

California Chardonnay

curated

The style Australia moved away from.

Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.

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.