If you like this, try…
Wines like Chablis
Unoaked Chardonnay from the coolest corner of Burgundy: citrus, green apple, high acidity and a distinctly saline finish. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Chablis?
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.
- 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.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- The 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 fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too austere and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
English still white
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 lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Vinho Verde
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Chablis 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.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
curatedA comparably taut, saline, mineral white with real structure.
Expect: Fuller and more powerfully saline, from a much hotter place.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Crémant
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 lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Champagne
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 lighter in alcohol, and drier.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
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.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
Sémillon
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Gavi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Scheurebe
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
curatedA comparably taut, saline, mineral white with real structure.
Expect: Fuller and more powerfully saline, from a much hotter place.
Vin Jaune
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and drier.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Gros Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
English still white
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 lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
New Zealand Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
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 still white
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 lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
New Zealand Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
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.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Santorini Assyrtiko
curatedThey occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
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.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more fruit-driven.
Valais Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
curatedA comparably taut, saline, mineral white with real structure.
Expect: Fuller and more powerfully saline, from a much hotter place.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
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.