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 sharp or lemony and too floral or soapy.
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.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
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 less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Roditis
Roditis scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
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 Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Koshu
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more neutral and subtle.
Alpine white
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Muscadet
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.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Soave Classico
curatedThe hillside heart of the same appellation.
Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Istrian Malvazija
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 fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Greco di Tufo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Valais Petite Arvine
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and less floral.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 fruitier.
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 fruitier.
California traditional-method sparkling
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more floral.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fruitier.
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 more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Chasselas
Chasselas scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
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 fruitier.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Clairette
Clairette 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Both sit in the same style family.
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 fruitier, and broader and softer.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Chilean Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Chablis
Both are made from chardonnay, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and broader and softer.
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 fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
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 fruitier, and broader and softer.
White Burgundy
Both are made from chardonnay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
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 fruitier.
Pinot Grigio
curatedBoth are light, dry, unobtrusive northern Italian whites.
Expect: Blander and less almond-scented.
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 less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Sercial
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less floral.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less 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, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Both are made from chardonnay.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
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.