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, too austere 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
English still white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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 lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and less floral.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Valais Petite Arvine
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and spicier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
Crémant
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
English sparkling wine
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Méthode Cap Classique
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 lighter, and spicier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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 drier, and lighter.
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.
Savennières
Savennières 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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 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.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
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 drier.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
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.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter.
Chilean 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 lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
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 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 lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
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 lighter.
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.