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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 moving away from too sharp or lemony and too savoury or funky.

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.

Rías Baixas Albariño

curated

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

About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Rueda Verdejo

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

A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Verdejo

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

A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Grillo

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

A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Pfalz Riesling

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

A little less sharp or lemony.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

White Bordeaux

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

A little less sharp or lemony.
A little less savoury or funky.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

A little less sharp or lemony.
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.

Rías Baixas Albariño

curated

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

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

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

Rueda Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

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

Rueda Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Grillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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 fresher, and sweeter.

Kabinett

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Parellada

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 fresher, and lighter.

Kabinett

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Loureiro

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pfalz Riesling

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

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

Pfalz Riesling

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

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

White Bordeaux

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 herbal and green.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Brda Rebula

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

Istrian Malvazija

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more restrained in fruit.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but softer

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

Pfalz Riesling

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

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

White Bordeaux

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 herbal and green.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.

The sparkling version

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

Sekt

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more sparkling.

Glera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Asti

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder.

Pfalz Riesling

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

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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 broader and softer.

Scheurebe

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Grillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

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

Falanghina

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

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

Kerner

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

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

White Bordeaux

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.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.

Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

curated

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

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

Falanghina

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

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

Kerner

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

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

Phoenix

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

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

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

Pinot Blanc

Both come from the same country.

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

Sémillon

Both come from the same country.

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

Similar but more floral

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

Kerner

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

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

Falanghina

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

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

Phoenix

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

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

Rías Baixas Albariño

curated

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

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

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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Santorini Assyrtiko

curated

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

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

Soave

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 more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

White Bordeaux

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 herbal and green.

Similar but fruitier

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

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

Rueda Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Grillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.

Soave

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 more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

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 fresher, 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 broader and softer, and more neutral and subtle.

Same grape, cooler climate

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

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 fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

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 more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Soave

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 more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fuller and richer.

Same grape, warmer climate

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

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

California Chardonnay

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

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

Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.

Rías Baixas Albariño

curated

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

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

Australian Riesling

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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 neutral and subtle.

Something more adventurous

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

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

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

Rueda Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Grillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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.

Rheinhessen Riesling

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

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

Rueda Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Verdejo

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

Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.

Grillo

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

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.

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.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

curated

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

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

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.