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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.

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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.

I like…

The citrus and orchard fruit How fresh and crisp it is The savoury, meaty side That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too sharp or acidic too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere, too savoury or funky and too alcoholic or warming.

You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, 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.

Petite Arvine

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Malvasia

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Petit Manseng

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

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Alsace Riesling

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

Verdelho

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less austere.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

Riesling scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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 fruit-driven.

Mosel Riesling

Mosel Riesling scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Vinho Verde

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Manseng

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

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

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Manseng

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

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

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Malvasia

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

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

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kisi

Kisi scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but softer

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Gewürztraminer

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

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

The sparkling version

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

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Sekt

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

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.

Vouvray

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Marsala

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

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

White Port

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

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

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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Petit Manseng

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Furmint

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

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

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 more restrained in fruit.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Gewürztraminer

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

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

Muscat of Alexandria

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 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 more restrained in fruit.

Silvaner

Silvaner scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.

Seyval Blanc

Seyval Blanc scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Similar but more floral

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

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.

Gewürztraminer

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

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

curated

A 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 more savoury, and drier.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Petite Arvine

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

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

Malvasia

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

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

Petit Manseng

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

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

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.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

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.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.

Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Petite Arvine

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Bual

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

A step up

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

White Burgundy

curated

The same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.

Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.

Santorini Assyrtiko

curated

A comparably taut, saline, mineral white with real structure.

Expect: Fuller and more powerfully saline, from a much hotter place.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

South African Chenin Blanc

South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.