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 that it is properly dry and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too austere and too savoury or funky.
- You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, 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 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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less savoury or funky.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.
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.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and stronger and warmer.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
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 softer and rounder.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
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 softer and rounder.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Brda Rebula
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Istrian Malvazija
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
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 spicier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and broader and softer.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Sekt
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
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 drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stiller.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
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 less oaky, and fuller and richer.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more aromatic.
Rías Baixas Albariño
curatedAnother high-acid, saline Atlantic white built for seafood.
Expect: More stone fruit and aromatic lift, less austere.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more fruit-driven.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Muscadelle
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 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 more savoury, and drier.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
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 drier, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Soave
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Soave
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
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.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more oaky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more floral.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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 more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
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.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, 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 more restrained in fruit, and more sparkling.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
Santorini Assyrtiko
curatedA 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.
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.