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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 the savoury, non-fruity character, while moving away from too alcoholic or warming, too light or thin and too savoury or funky.

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.

Chilean Chardonnay

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

White Burgundy

curated

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

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.

California Chardonnay

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Godello

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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 savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Fiano di Avellino

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

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
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 more oaky.

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

California 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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Different grape, similar feel

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

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Godello

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

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

Vidiano

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

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

Fiano

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.

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.

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.

Picpoul de Pinet

Both sit in the same style family.

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

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.

Gavi

Both sit in the same style family.

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 in alcohol, and lighter.

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

White Burgundy

curated

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

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

Condrieu

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 fruitier.

Viognier

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 fruitier.

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 more oaky.

California 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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Godello

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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.

Brda Rebula

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but softer

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

California 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.

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 more oaky.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Godello

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.

Sekt

Both are made from chardonnay.

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

Crémant

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

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

Australian traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from chardonnay.

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

Similar but sweeter

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

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.

Pedro Ximénez sherry

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and sweeter.

Vin Santo

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

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

California 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.

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.

Pedro Ximénez

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

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Grenache Blanc

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

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

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.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

California 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.

White Burgundy

curated

The 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 less oaky.

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.

Similar but more aromatic

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

Condrieu

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.

Viognier

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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.

Gewürztraminer

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.

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 lighter in alcohol.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Sémillon

Both come from the same country.

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

Palomino Fino

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

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

Similar but more floral

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

Condrieu

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.

Viognier

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.

Alsace Pinot Gris

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.

Malagousia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

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

Both come from the same country.

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

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

curated

The 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 more oaky.

California 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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and stronger and warmer.

Godello

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

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

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 more oaky.

California 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.

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, 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 softer and rounder.

California Chardonnay

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

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

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.

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 lighter, and broader and softer.

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 more oaky.

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.

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.

California 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.

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 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.

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 more oaky.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Godello

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

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

Vidiano

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

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

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 more oaky.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and fruitier.

Godello

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

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

Vidiano

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

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

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 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.

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.