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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 alcoholic or warming and too sharp or lemony.

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.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Vin Jaune

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or lemony.

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Pecorino

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Friuli white

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Roussanne

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less sharp or lemony.

Savagnin

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

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.

Friulano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
A little less sharp or lemony.

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.

Vin Jaune

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

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pecorino

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

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

Different grape, similar feel

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

Vin Jaune

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

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pecorino

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

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

Roussanne

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Aidani

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

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

Roditis

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

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

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 Romagnolo

Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.

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.

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.

Vin Jaune

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 aromatic.

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Sercial

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

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

Pecorino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Vin Jaune

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Vin Jaune

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

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

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Roussanne

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

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

Savagnin

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

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

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 in alcohol, and fruitier.

Kisi

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

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

Malvasia

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

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

Rkatsiteli

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Roussanne

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

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

Friulano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 both come from the same country.

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

Glera

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Franciacorta

Both are made from chardonnay.

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

Méthode Cap Classique

Both are made from chardonnay.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Madeira

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

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

Marsala

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

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

Bual

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

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 broader and softer, and fruitier.

Pecorino

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

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

Friulano

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

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

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

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.

Friuli white

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Roussanne

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

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

Vin Jaune

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

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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 fruitier, and broader and softer.

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.

Similar but more restrained

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

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Chablis across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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

Chasselas

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

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

Roussanne

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

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

Alsace Pinot Gris

Both come from the same country.

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

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Vin Jaune

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

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

curated

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

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

Amontillado sherry

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

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Palo Cortado

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.

Similar but fruitier

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Grillo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pfalz Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.

Friuli white

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

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

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

Same grape, cooler climate

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

English still white

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

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

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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.

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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

New Zealand Chardonnay

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

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

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.

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 they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Santorini Assyrtiko

curated

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

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

Something more adventurous

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

Vin Jaune

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

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pecorino

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.

Vin Jaune

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

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

Sercial

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Pecorino

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

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

Friuli white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.