If you like this, try…
Wines like Australian traditional-method sparkling
Bottle-fermented sparkling, largely from Tasmania — the cool-climate backbone of Australian fizz. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Australian traditional-method sparkling?
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 citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- 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 fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- The bubbles
- Carbonation, from a light prickle to a full sparkling mousse.
- 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 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.
Looking for something keeping the bubbles, while moving away from too fizzy, too sharp or acidic, too savoury or funky and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
- You said you like the bubbles and that it is too fizzy. Both are about carbonation, 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.
Crémant
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 bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or acidic as the wine you started from.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or acidic.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Cava
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the bubbles.
- About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or acidic.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- 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.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
California traditional-method sparkling
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, 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.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more sparkling.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more sparkling.
California traditional-method sparkling
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more sparkling.
Cava
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more sparkling.
The still version
Moves from sparkling to still while keeping the grape and flavour family intact.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more restrained in fruit.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Melon de Bourgogne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more restrained in fruit.
Hondarrabi Zuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
Txakoli
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and more aromatic.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
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.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more fruit-driven.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Crémant
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more aromatic.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
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.
Crémant
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more aromatic.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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.
Cava
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more sparkling.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more sparkling.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more sparkling.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Asti
Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti scores closest to Australian traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more sparkling.
Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
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.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
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.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
California traditional-method sparkling
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
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.
Crémant
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 sparkling, and more aromatic.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Cava
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Champagne
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, 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.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
Corpinnat
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Cava
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling, and more savoury.
Champagne
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more sparkling.
Crémant
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 sparkling, 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.