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 light or thin, too sharp or lemony and 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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
Aidani scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Müller-Thurgau
Müller-Thurgau scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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 lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Greco di Tufo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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 drier.
Champagne
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
California traditional-method sparkling
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 fruitier.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chasselas
Chasselas scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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 lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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 fruitier.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 lighter, and fresher.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Garganega
Both are made from garganega, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter.
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 lighter.
New Zealand Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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 lighter.
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 lighter.
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.