If you like this, try…
Wines like English Bacchus
England’s signature still white: elderflower, nettle and grapefruit — often compared to Sauvignon Blanc, but its own thing. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about English Bacchus?
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 light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
Looking for something moving away from too floral or soapy, too perfumed, too sharp or lemony and too light or thin.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedAnother light, high-acid, herbal white with a savoury edge.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less 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.
Txakoli
Txakoli scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Colombard
Colombard scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Douro white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
English sparkling wine
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
Bual scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more floral.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
Encruzado scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and broader and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Grüner Veltliner
curatedAnother light, high-acid, herbal white with a savoury edge.
Expect: Peppery and lentil-like rather than floral.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
curatedThe reference point most drinkers already know.
Expect: Far more tropical and pungent, and fuller in body.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to English Bacchus across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
English still white
Both are made from bacchus, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Welsh white wine
Both are made from bacchus.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Bacchus
Both are made from bacchus, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
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.
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.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
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.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Sancerre
curatedThe restrained, mineral end of Sauvignon Blanc, which Bacchus is most often compared to.
Expect: More flint and blackcurrant leaf, with more weight and a longer finish.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
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.