If you like this, try…
Wines like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Explosively aromatic passionfruit, gooseberry and cut grass — a flavour that had no real precedent when it appeared in the 1980s. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?
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.
- 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.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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 tropical, exotic fruit, while moving away from too perfumed and too green or grassy.
- You said you like the tropical, exotic fruit and that it is too perfumed. Both are about aromatic 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 Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
- Has noticeably less of the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Pouilly-Fumé
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has noticeably less of the tropical, exotic fruit.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Rías Baixas Albariño
curatedFor someone who likes the freshness but finds the aromatics overwhelming.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the tropical, exotic fruit, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less green or grassy.
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 Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
Expect: Chalk, flint and blackcurrant leaf in place of passionfruit — a much quieter wine.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
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 Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Austrian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 floral.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
Pouilly-Fumé
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 earthier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
English Blanc de Noirs
English Blanc de Noirs scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, 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.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Dry Furmint
Dry Furmint scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
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 Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
Expect: Chalk, flint and blackcurrant leaf in place of passionfruit — a much quieter wine.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 more savoury.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Torrontés
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 floral.
Verdejo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
Expect: Chalk, flint and blackcurrant leaf in place of passionfruit — a much quieter wine.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 floral.
Pouilly-Fumé
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 earthier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Coteaux du Layon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
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 Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 floral.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
Expect: Chalk, flint and blackcurrant leaf in place of passionfruit — a much quieter wine.
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.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 fuller and richer.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
Expect: Chalk, flint and blackcurrant leaf in place of passionfruit — a much quieter wine.
Pouilly-Fumé
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Friuli white
Both are made from sauvignon blanc.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 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.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
Expect: Chalk, flint and blackcurrant leaf in place of passionfruit — a much quieter wine.
English Bacchus
curatedThe 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 softer and rounder.
Pouilly-Fumé
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 earthier.
Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more restrained in fruit.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 floral.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, 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 Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
Expect: A bitter-almond finish and much less aromatic volume.
South African Sauvignon Blanc
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, 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 floral.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
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.