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.
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.
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.
Looking for something keeping the creamy, rounded mouthfeel, the savoury, non-fruity character and the full body and weight, while moving away from too tropical or sweet-smelling.
- You said you like the creamy, rounded mouthfeel and that it is too tropical or sweet-smelling. 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.
White Burgundy
curatedThe model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the creamy, rounded mouthfeel.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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
curatedThe 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 aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Greco di Tufo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Savagnin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 lighter, and more aromatic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
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.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and 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 in alcohol, and lighter.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Australian Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Condrieu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Australian Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more aromatic.
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
curatedThe model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.
Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 aromatic.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Ribolla Gialla
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Savennières
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 aromatic.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more aromatic.
Greco di Tufo
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 aromatic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
California Chardonnay
curatedThe style Australia moved away from.
Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Cava
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and 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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
California Chardonnay
curatedThe style Australia moved away from.
Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.
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.
Friulano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Greco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
curatedThe style Australia moved away from.
Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Australian Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
White Bordeaux
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Franken Silvaner
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and leaner and more cutting.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
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 more savoury, and more aromatic.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more savoury.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Coteaux du Layon
Coteaux du Layon scores closest to Australian Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Australian Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Australian Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Australian Chardonnay 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.
White Burgundy
curatedThe 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 aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 more aromatic.
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 fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
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
curatedThe 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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
California Chardonnay
curatedThe style Australia moved away from.
Expect: Riper, rounder and much more overtly oaked and buttery.
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 aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
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
curatedThe model the reset was aimed at, and now genuinely comparable.
Expect: More nutty and mineral, at several times the price.
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 more aromatic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more aromatic.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
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 aromatic, and more tannic and structured.
Savennières
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
Assyrtiko
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
curatedThe 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 more savoury, and more aromatic.
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 fruitier, and more aromatic.
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.