If you like this, try…
Wines like Soave
Garganega from volcanic hills near Verona: subtle, almond-scented and far better than its bulk-wine reputation. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Soave?
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 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 light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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 moving away from too austere, too floral or soapy, too savoury or funky and too sharp or lemony.
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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or lemony 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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, 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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Vinho Verde
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sekt
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Crémant
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Austrian Sekt
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Pinot Grigio
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Franken Silvaner
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Trebbiano di Soave
Both are made from trebbiano di soave, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.
Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Pinot Grigio
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
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.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.