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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 that it is properly dry and the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too sharp or lemony and too austere.

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.

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.

White Burgundy

curated

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or lemony.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

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.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or lemony.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
A little less sharp or lemony.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Sémillon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Vouvray

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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.
About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less austere.

Garganega

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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 fruitier.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

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.

Muscadet

curated

The Loire’s lean, saline, unoaked white does a very similar job for far less money.

Expect: More neutral and lighter, with a bready lees texture.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Trebbiano Romagnolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Hunter Valley Semillon

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.

Muscadet

curated

The Loire’s lean, saline, unoaked white does a very similar job for far less money.

Expect: More neutral and lighter, with a bready lees texture.

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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

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

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

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.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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 fruitier.

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Albana

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brda Rebula

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but softer

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

White Burgundy

curated

The 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 more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Grechetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

The sparkling version

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

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 drier, and fresher.

Franciacorta

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Méthode Cap Classique

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

California traditional-method sparkling

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Similar but sweeter

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

Szamorodni

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Marsala

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

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Grechetto

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Chenin Blanc

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

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

Sémillon

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

curated

Another high-acid, saline Atlantic white built for seafood.

Expect: More stone fruit and aromatic lift, less austere.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sémillon

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and broader and softer.

Trebbiano Toscano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadet

curated

The Loire’s lean, saline, unoaked white does a very similar job for far less money.

Expect: More neutral and lighter, with a bready lees texture.

Silvaner

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.

Similar but more floral

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

Aidani

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Muscadelle

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

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

Mosel Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.

Similar but more savoury

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

Vin Jaune

Both come from the same country.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

curated

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

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

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Etna Bianco

curated

Volcanic Sicilian Carricante has the same taut, saline, unoaked logic.

Expect: An ashy, volcanic note in place of the chalk.

Similar but fruitier

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Pfalz Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.

Finger Lakes Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Muscadelle

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.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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 fresher.

Soave

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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 drier, and fresher.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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 fruitier.

Soave

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

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

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Same grape, warmer climate

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

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Chenin Blanc

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

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

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.

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

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Etna Bianco

curated

Volcanic Sicilian Carricante has the same taut, saline, unoaked logic.

Expect: An ashy, volcanic note in place of the chalk.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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 fruitier.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.

Muscadet

curated

The Loire’s lean, saline, unoaked white does a very similar job for far less money.

Expect: More neutral and lighter, with a bready lees texture.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

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 fruitier.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Retsina

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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 fruitier.

South African Chenin Blanc

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

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

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.