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 fresh, crisp acidity and the herbal, green edge, while moving away from too floral or soapy and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Retsina
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 riper and less green.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
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 less 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 Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
Txakoli
Txakoli 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.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Hondarrabi Zuri 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 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.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon 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.
Colombard
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Alpine white
Alpine white 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.
Txakoli
Txakoli 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 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 riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
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 less floral.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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.
Trebbiano Spoletino
Trebbiano Spoletino 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.
Ribolla Gialla
Ribolla Gialla 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.
Brda Rebula
Brda Rebula 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 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.
Pecorino
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 riper and less green.
White Bordeaux
Both are made from sauvignon blanc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
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 less floral.
Champagne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Austrian Sekt
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
English Blanc de Noirs
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Rheingau 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 less floral.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Nahe 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 less floral.
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.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
Nahe 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 less floral.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
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 riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and less floral.
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 less floral.
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.
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 riper and less green.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedBoth 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 less floral, and riper and less green.
Sancerre
curatedBoth 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 floral, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less floral, and riper and less green.
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.
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 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.
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 less floral, and riper and less green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Loureiro
Loureiro scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
Mantinia Moschofilero
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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.
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.
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 less floral, and riper and less green.
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 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.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
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.
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
curatedCasablanca sits stylistically between the Loire and Marlborough.
Expect: More citrus and herb, less tropical exuberance.
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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, 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.
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and less floral.
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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
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 riper and less green, 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.
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.
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 riper and less green.
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 riper and less green.
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.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
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 less floral.
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 riper and less green, 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.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
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 riper and less green, 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.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
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 less floral.
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 softer and rounder.
Chardonnay
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.