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 floral or soapy, too austere, too sharp or lemony and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as floral or soapy as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more 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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Pinot Grigio
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
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
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Vinho Verde
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Valais Petite Arvine
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Champagne
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
California traditional-method sparkling
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
White Port
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.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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 lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Aidani
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Hárslevelű
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
Hárslevelű
Hárslevelű scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Ortega
Ortega scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
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 less floral.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
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
Petite Arvine scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian 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 lighter in alcohol.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Garganega
Both are made from garganega, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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.
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 fruitier.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
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.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.