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 keeping that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere.
- You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, 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.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, 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.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
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.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more sparkling.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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 less floral, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Vouvray
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and fresher and more acidic.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Crémant
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
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.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more fruit-driven.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more fruit-driven.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more oaky.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and spicier.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Furmint
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stronger and warmer.
Franken Silvaner
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Muscadet
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Spätlese
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and less oaky.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
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.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.
English Blanc de Blancs
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more sparkling.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more oaky.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more oaky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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 more oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and spicier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
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.