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.

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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.

I like…

That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or lemony too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too floral or soapy too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

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 and too light or thin.

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.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

White Burgundy

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less light or thin.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Friuli white

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 lighter, and less floral.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Greco di Tufo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Pinot Grigio

curated

Both are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.

Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.

English still white

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Alpine white

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Koshu

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

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.

Alpine white

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Muscadet

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Colombard

Colombard scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Melon de Bourgogne

Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Pedro Ximénez

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Friuli white

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 lighter, and less floral.

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.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Friuli white

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 lighter, and less floral.

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Rkatsiteli

Rkatsiteli scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Greco di Tufo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Greco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Marsanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Grenache Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

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, and less floral.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Méthode Cap Classique

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Recioto della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.

Vin Santo

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 sweeter.

Vinsanto (Santorini)

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Grenache Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Greco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

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 lighter, and less floral.

Friuli white

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 lighter, and less floral.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Roussanne

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.

Alsace Pinot Gris

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Palomino Fino

Palomino Fino scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Franken Silvaner

Both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Malagousia

Malagousia scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.

Condrieu

Condrieu scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.

Viognier

Viognier scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.

Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Friuli white

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 less floral, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Vin Jaune

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Savennières

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Friuli white

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 lighter, and less floral.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Petit Manseng

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

White Burgundy

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Chablis

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

English still white

Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

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 lighter, and less floral.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

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.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

White Burgundy

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

California Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Friuli white

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 lighter, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less 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.

Soave Classico

curated

Both are made from garganega, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Pedro Ximénez

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and stronger and warmer.

Friuli white

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 lighter, and less floral.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

White Burgundy

Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Santorini Assyrtiko

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

How these are chosen

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.