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 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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
curatedBoth 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 in alcohol, and sweeter.
Gavi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Picpoul de Pinet
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
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 in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 softer and rounder.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
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 in alcohol, 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.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Soave Classico
curatedThe 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 sweeter, and fuller and richer.
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 in alcohol, and less floral.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Grenache
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and spicier.
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 in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and more savoury.
Valais Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 sweeter, and fuller and richer.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
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 more sparkling.
Crémant
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Méthode Cap Classique
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and spicier.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and broader and softer.
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 in alcohol, and less oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Alsace Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Pinot Grigio
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and sweeter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and sweeter.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and softer and rounder.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and spicier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fuller and richer.
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 in alcohol, and spicier.
Torrontés
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and spicier.
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 in alcohol, and sweeter.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fuller and richer.
Soave Classico
curatedThe 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.
Soave Classico
curatedThe 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 in alcohol, and more oaky.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and spicier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more oaky.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Soave Classico
curatedThe 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 sweeter, and fuller and richer.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less floral.
Bual
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 fuller and richer.
Soave Classico
curatedBoth 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 in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and spicier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.