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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 citrus and green-apple character, the fresh, crisp acidity, that it is properly dry and the herbal, green edge.
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 citrus and green-apple character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Sancerre
curatedThe same grape at the restrained end of the spectrum.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
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 citrus and green-apple character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
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 citrus and green-apple character.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
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 some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Rueda Verdejo
curatedRueda Verdejo is herbal and crisp in a similar register.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
- Keeps the citrus and green-apple character.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Has some of the herbal, green edge, though less of it.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the citrus and green-apple character, though less of it.
- Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Keeps the herbal, green edge.
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.
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.
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 riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
Mantinia Moschofilero
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 softer and rounder.
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.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
Mantinia Moschofilero
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 softer and rounder.
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 neutral and subtle.
Kabinett
Kabinett scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
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 more neutral and subtle.
Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko 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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
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.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli 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 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.
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.
Verdejo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more restrained in fruit.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical fruit.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
Sekt scores closest to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and sweeter.
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 neutral and subtle.
Australian traditional-method sparkling
Australian traditional-method sparkling 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.
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 neutral and subtle.
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.
Bacchus
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and softer and rounder.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and riper and less green.
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 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.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and softer and rounder.
Australian Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 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 more restrained in fruit.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 neutral and subtle.
New Zealand Chardonnay
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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 riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
Sancerre
curatedBoth 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 neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Mantinia Moschofilero
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 softer and rounder.
English Bacchus
curatedEngland’s aromatic white occupies comparable hedgerow-and-citrus territory.
Expect: Lighter and more elderflower-scented, with less tropical 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.
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 neutral and subtle, 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 floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Mantinia Moschofilero
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 softer and rounder.
Moschofilero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Torrontés
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and softer and rounder.
Loureiro
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
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 riper and less green, 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 riper and less green, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
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 more restrained in fruit, and riper and less green.
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.
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 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.
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 riper and less green.
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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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.
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.
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 riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 riper and less green, and more restrained in fruit.
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.
English Bacchus
curatedThey occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 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.
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 more neutral and subtle.
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 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.
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 neutral and subtle.
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 neutral and subtle.
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 neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay 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.
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.