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 sharp or lemony, too savoury or funky and too austere.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less savoury or funky.
- Substantially less austere.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
- 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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
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 fresher, and more aromatic.
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.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Vidal
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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 less floral, and less oaky.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and fuller and richer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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 broader and softer, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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 more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more floral.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more floral.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fuller and richer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Grigio
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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 more neutral and subtle.
Petite Arvine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less floral.
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.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less oaky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and less oaky.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.
Garganega
Both are made from garganega, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, 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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
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 more restrained in fruit.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less oaky.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
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.
White Burgundy
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.