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 citrus and green-apple character, while moving away from too light or thin 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.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Rías Baixas Albariño
curatedAnother high-acid, saline Atlantic white built for seafood.
- Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- 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.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Rías Baixas Albariño
curatedAnother high-acid, saline Atlantic white built for seafood.
Expect: More stone fruit and aromatic lift, less austere.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Colombard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Vinho Verde
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Colombard
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Trebbiano Spoletino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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, and lighter in alcohol.
Sekt
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Recioto della Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more fruit-driven.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and sweeter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Rías Baixas Albariño
curatedAnother high-acid, saline Atlantic white built for seafood.
Expect: More stone fruit and aromatic lift, less austere.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
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
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Blanc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Rías Baixas Albariño
curatedAnother high-acid, saline Atlantic white built for seafood.
Expect: More stone fruit and aromatic lift, less austere.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Fiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and lighter.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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 lighter.
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 both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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 lighter, and broader and softer.
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 lighter, and broader and softer.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
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 lighter.
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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
curatedThe same grape and region, with barrel and lees influence added.
Expect: Vanilla, hazelnut, butter and considerably more weight.
Rías Baixas Albariño
curatedAnother high-acid, saline Atlantic white built for seafood.
Expect: More stone fruit and aromatic lift, less austere.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.