If you like this, try…
Wines like New Zealand Chardonnay
Taut, citrus-driven Chardonnay from Kumeu, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough — consistently undervalued. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about New Zealand Chardonnay?
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 tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- 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 and the full body and weight, while moving away from 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, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less savoury or funky.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Godello
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Fiano di Avellino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little 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.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little 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.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
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, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Godello
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 less oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
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 floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Godello
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 less oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
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 floral.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
Vidiano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Rheinhessen Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Rheingau Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Soave
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Dry Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more restrained in fruit.
Alvarinho (Monção e Melgaço)
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.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more fruit-driven.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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.
California Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Chilean Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit.
Godello
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 less oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
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 floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Friuli 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 more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Dry Furmint
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 lighter in alcohol.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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 more restrained in fruit.
Marsanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Sekt
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Méthode Cap Classique
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 sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
California Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and stronger and warmer.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
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, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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 more restrained in fruit.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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 more restrained in fruit.
Fiano di Avellino
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.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to New Zealand Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to New Zealand Chardonnay across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chilean Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Coteaux du Layon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and sweeter.
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, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Australian Chardonnay
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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
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 lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher 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.
California Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Chilean Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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.
California Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
Australian Chardonnay
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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and lighter in alcohol.
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, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
Godello
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 less oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
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 floral.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
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, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit.
Godello
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 less oaky.
Fiano di Avellino
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 floral.
Pfalz Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and sweeter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
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 savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
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 restrained in fruit, and broader and softer.
White Burgundy
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 more restrained in fruit, 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.