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 keeping that it is properly dry, while moving away from too savoury or funky 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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less light or thin.

Pošip

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less light or thin.

Malagousia

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less light or thin.

Antão Vaz

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less light or thin.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Keeps that it is properly dry.
More savoury or funky, not less.
Substantially less light or thin.

Condrieu

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

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less light or thin.

Viognier

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

Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
Substantially less savoury or funky.
Substantially less light or thin.

Roussanne

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

Keeps that it is properly dry.
A little less savoury or funky.
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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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.

Moschofilero

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

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

Loureiro

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

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Moschofilero

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

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

Loureiro

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

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

Mantinia Moschofilero

Mantinia Moschofilero scores closest to Soave across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Condrieu

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Soave Classico

curated

The hillside heart of the same appellation.

Expect: More concentration, texture and mineral depth.

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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Mtsvane Kakhuri

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Kisi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

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 more savoury, and lighter.

Malvasia

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Similar but fresher

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Štajerska Šipon

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but softer

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

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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

Condrieu

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Sekt

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Similar but sweeter

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

Condrieu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Viognier

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Pfalz Riesling

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Chardonnay

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

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

Dry Furmint

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but more aromatic

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

Condrieu

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Malagousia

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

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.

Pinot Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more restrained in fruit.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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

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

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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

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

Pinot Grigio

curated

Both 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.

Condrieu

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Viognier

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Malagousia

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

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

Torrontés

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Similar but less floral

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

Pošip

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

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Antão Vaz

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

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

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Similar but more savoury

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

Savennières

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

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

Friuli white

Both are made from chardonnay, and both come from the same country.

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

White Burgundy

Both are made from chardonnay.

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

Greco di Tufo

Both sit in the same style family.

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

Similar but fruitier

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

Chardonnay

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

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

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

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 more savoury.

English still white

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

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.

Jura Savagnin and Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

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

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 sweeter.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

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

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 more savoury.

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.

Chardonnay

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

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

California Chardonnay

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

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and lighter.

Australian Chardonnay

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

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

Sauvignon Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

Something more adventurous

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

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.

Pošip

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

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

Malagousia

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

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

Antão Vaz

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

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 more savoury, and lighter.

South African Chenin Blanc

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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

White Burgundy

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

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

Chardonnay

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

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

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.